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THE 



ESSENTIALS OF MATERIA MEDICA 
AND THERAPEUTICS. 



It has been considered desirable to make two separate Boohs of 
the Work originally announced under the title of " Medicines : 
their Nature and Value in the Treatment of Disease." 

The " Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics " is 
now published, a work of the hind being much in request at the 
present time. It will be followed by a Companion Work complet- 
ing the original idea, and devoted exclusively to the consideration of 

the value of Medicines in the treatment of Disease. Each Booh 
will be complete in itself. 
May, 1864. 



THE 



ESSENTIALS 



MATERIA MEDIOA 



AND 



THERAPEUTICS. 



BY 



ALFRED BAKING GARROD, M.D., F.R.S., 

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; 
PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS AT KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON; PHYSICIAN TO 
KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL; AND EXAMINEE IN MATERIA MEDICA IN THE 
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON. 



NEW YORK: 

WILLIAM WOOD & CO., 61 WALKER STREET. 

1 865. 



<v> 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by 

WILLIAM WOOD & CO., 

In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of New York. 



NEW YORK : 
EDWARD 0. JENKINS, PRINTER, 20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. 



PEEFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 

The work of Dr. Garrod supplies a want that has long been 
felt on this side of the Atlantic. It gives a succinct but accurate 
account of the natural history, of the physical and chemical proper- 
ties of the articles of the Materia Medica, and of the adulterations 
to which they are frequently subjected ; the physiological action 
and the therapeutic application of Medicines are very concisely 
given, but the absence of confused and sometimes contradictory 
details is often an advantage to the Student. The Editor has con- 
fined himself to supplying a few of the omissions of Dr. Garrod, 
and to indicating, where a difference exists, the preparations of 
the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. His aim has been? to 
make such additions only as are strictly necessary for the Ameri- 
can Student, keeping in view constantly the plan and scope of the 
original work. 

New Yoek, February 25, 1865. 



PEEFACE. 

The Author of the present volume has for some years devoted 
time and attention to a special study of the therapeutic action of 
drugs, and had hoped ere this to place the results of his labour 
before the Profession. In the progress of his task, however, he 
has discovered that every new fact obtained, suggested a new sub- 
ject for investigation and research, while the experience gained by 
clinical observation did not tend to diminish the difficulties which 
seemed to him to surround so exhaustless an inquiry. He was, 
moreover, unwilling to content himself with a compilation of the 
data collected by others, or with that apparent simplification of the 
subject so common in works on Therapeutics, but which too often 
results only from a hasty credence in statements consonant with 
the writer's ideas, and a neglect of others not in harmony with 
those preconceived conclusions. 

It was the intention of the Author to have appended to the 
present volume a more detailed account of his experience of the 
treatment of disease derived from clinical study, but the publica- 
tion of the British Pharmacopoeia rendered it desirable that a 
text-book should be immediately in the hands of the Student and 
Practitioner of Medicine, and hence the second edition of the 
" Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics" is now published 
alone. The Author still hopes, in the course of a few months, to 
bring before the Profession a separate volume devoted exclusively 
to the value of medicines in the treatment of disease, and embracing 
the whole subject of Therapeutics. 

The present work is intended to serve as a text-book of Materia 
Medica, and while it is hoped that it omits nothing essential to 
the study of the science, it excludes such details as are often em- 



Vlll PBEFACE. 

barrassing to the Student and seldom necessary to the Practitioner. 
It has been his object, while limiting its size, to include all points 
connected with the officinal preparation of medicines, and so much 
information on the therapeutic action of drugs as would serve as a 
sufficient guide in actual practice. All controversial points have 
been avoided, as unsuited to the design of the work ; and the in- 
formation confined to the facts really ascertained as to the action 
of each drug, and the purposes for which it has been advan- 
tageously employed. 

A Table of Contents, by a„ glance at which the reader will at 
once see all drugs scientifically arranged, together with their 
pharmaceutical preparations, is contained in the present edition ; 
as likewise a Table indicating the principal changes of nomencla- 
ture and important differences of strength between preparations 
in the British Pharmacopoeia and in the London Pharmacopoeia, 
1851 ; and lastly, a somewhat copious Posological Table is now 
introduced. 

Under some articles there will be found references to Appendix 
A. and Appendix B. ; when such is the case it implies that the sub- 
stance is contained in the Appendix of the British Pharmacopoeia. 

The Author desires, in conclusion, to express his obligations to 
Dr. Footman for the assistance kindly rendered in the preparation 
of the present edition of the " Essentials of Materia Medica and 
Therapeutics." 

84 Haelet Street, Cavendish Squake, W., 
May, 1864. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



-*- 



♦• «< 



pagk 
Table Exhibiting the more Important Differences between the British and Lon- 
don Pharmacopoeias ....... xxvii 



INTRODUCTION. 

Weights and Measures of British Pharmacopeia 

Relation of Measures to Weights .... 
" of Pharmacopoeia Weights to Metrical Weights 
" of Pharmacopoeia Measures to Metrical Measures 

Acids 

Waters 

Cataplasms 

Confections 

Decoctions 

Extracts 

Liquid Extracts 

Infusions 

Liniments 

Solutions 

Spirits 

Juices 

Suppositories 

Tinctures 

Lozenges 

Ointments 

Wines 

General Pharmaceutical Directions 



9 
9 
10 
]0 
10 
10 



INORGANIC SUBSTANCES 



Oxygen .... 

Nitrogen 

Hydrogen 

Carbon 

Carbo Ligni 

Gataplasma Carbonis 
Bone Black 

Carbo Animalis Purificatus 
Sulphur .... 
" Sublimatum 
" Prsecipitatum 

Confectio Sulphuris (sublimed) 

Unguentum " " 

Phosphorus . 

Iodine .... 
Iodum Purificatum . 

Linimentum Iodi 

Tinctura " 

Unguentum " Compositum 
Sulphuris Iodidum . 
Bromine .... 
Chlorum. Chlorine 

Liquor Chlori 



13 
14 
14 
15 
35 
15 
16 
16 
16 
16 
17 
17 
17 
18 
19 
19 
20 
20 
20 
22 
22 
23 
24 



CONTENTS. 



Water .... 

Aqua Destillata .... 
Mineral Waters 

1. Chalybeate Waters 

2. Acidulous or Carbonated Waters 
8. Saline Waters 
4. Sulphuretted Waters 

Acids . . . • . 

Acidum Aceticum 

Acidum Aceticum Dilutvm 
Acidum Aceticum Glaciale . 
Acetum ..... 
Boracic Acid 
Acidum Carbonicum 

" Citricum 

" Ilvdrochloricum 

Acidum Hyd rochloricum Dilutum 
Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum 
Sulphuretted Hydrogen 
Acidum Nitrieum 

Acidum Nitrieum Dilutum 

" Nitro-LLydroclihricum Diluttim 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum 

" Sulphuricum . 

Acidum Sulpliuricum Aromaticum 
" " Dilutum 

Acidum Sulphurosum 

" Tartaricum 
Oxalic Acid .... 
Ammonia Salts .... 
Ammoniae Liquor Fortior 

Liquor Ammonias, 

Liniment um " 
Ammonias Carbonas 

Spiritus Ammonics Aromatious 
Ammonias Bicarbonas . 
Sulphate of Ammonia 
Ammoniae Hydrochloras 

" Acetatis Liquor . 

" Benzoas 

" Oxalas . . . . 

Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia . 
Ammouiae Phosphas 
Ammonii Bromidum 

" Iodidum 
Aluminum .... 

Alumen .... 

Alumen Exsiccatnm 
Antimony .... 
Sulphuret of Antimony 
Antimonium Sulpburatum . 
" Tartaratum 

Vinum Antimoniale 

Unguentum Antimonii Tartar aii . 
Antimonii Oxidum 

Pulvis Antinvmialis 
Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor 
Silver ..... 
Argenti Nitras 

Volumetric Solution of Nitrate of Silver 
Argenti Oxidum 

Arsenic ..... 
Acidum Arseniosum 

Liquor Arsenicalis . 
Sodae Arsenias . 

Liquor Soda, Arseniatis 
Arsenici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor 



CONTENTS. 



XI 



Gold .... 

Solution of Ter chloride of Gold 
Barium 
Barii Chloridum 

Solution of Cliloride of Barium 
Bismuth 

Bismuthum Album 
Trochisci Bismuthi . 
Bismuthi Carbonas 
Cadmium 
Cadmii Sulphas . 

" Iodidum 
Calcium . 
Calx . 

Calais Hydras 

Liquor Calcis Saccharatus 

Linimentum Galcis . 
Calcis Carbonas Prsecipitata 
Creta Prseparata . 

Mistura Creta, 

Pulvis " Aromaticus . 

" " " cum Opio 

Calcii Chloridum 

Solution of Chloride of Calcium 
Calx Chlorata . . . . 

Liquor Calcis Chlorata, . 
Calcis Phosphas Prsecipitata 
Plaster of Paris 

Solution, of Sulphate of Lime 
Cerium . ... 

Oxide, Oxalate, and Nitrate of Cerium 
Copper .... 

Cupri Sulphas 

Solution of Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper 
Subacetate of Copper (Verdigris) 
Iron ..... 
Ferrum Redactum 
Ferri Carbonas Saccharata . 

Mistura Ferri Composita 

Pilula " Caroonatis 
Ferri Iodidum . . ■ . 

Si/rupus Ferri Iodidi 

Pihda " " . 
Ferri Sulphas 

Ferri Sulphas Fxsiccata 
Ferri Sulphas Granulata 
" Arsenias . . . 

" Phosphas 

Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis . 
Ferri Oxidum Magneticum . 
" Peroxidum 

Fmplastrum Ferri 
Ferri Peroxidum Hydratum 
" Perchloridi Liquor 

Tinctura Ferri Perchloridi 
Ferri Pernitratis Liquor 
Solution of Persulphate of Iron 
Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum . 

Tinctura Ferri Ammonio- Chloridi 
Ferri et Ammonise Citras 
Ferrum Tartaratum 

Vinum Ferri 
Ferri et Quiniae Citras . 
Hydrargyrum. Mercury 

Hydrargyrum, cum Creta 

Pilula Hydrargyri . . 

Fmplastrum " 

'• Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro 



PAGE 

66 
66 
67 
67 
67 
67 
67 
68 
6y 
69 
69 
69 
70 
70 
70 
70 
71 
71 
71 
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72 
72 
73 
73 
73 
74 
74 
74 
74 
74 
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75 
76 
77 
77 
77 
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79 
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84 
84 
85 
85 
86 
86 
86 
87 
87 



89 
90 
90 
90 
92 
92 
92 
92 
92 



Xll 



CONTENTS 



Mercurial Preparations — {continued.) 
Unguentum Hydrargyri 
Linimentum 
Calomelas .... 

Pllula Calomelanos Oomposita . 
Unguentum " . 

Hydrargyrum Corrosivum Sublimatum 
" Ammoniatum 

Unguentum, Hydrargyri Ammoniati 
Hydrargyri Iodidutn Viride 
" " Rubrum 

Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum 

Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri 
Hydrargyri Nitratis Liquor Acidus 

Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis 
Hydrargyri Sulpburetum 
Sulpbate of Mercury 
Lithium .... 

Lithiae Carbonas . 

" Citras 
Magnesium 

Magnesia .... 
" Levis 

Pulvis Rliei Compositus 
Magnesias Carbonas 

" " Levis . 

Sulphas 
Enema Magnesioe, Sulphatis 
Manganesium 

Black Oxide of Manganese . 
Platinum . 

Solution of Bichloride of Platinum 
Plumbum (Lead) 
Lithargyrum .... 

Emplastrum Lithargyri 
Plumbi Iodidum 

Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi . 
Plumbi Acetas 

Pilula Plumbi cum Opio 
Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis . 

Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus 
Unguentum Plumbi Subacetatis 
Plumbi Carbonas . 

Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis . 
Potassium . . . 

Potassa Caustica 

Liquor Potassa} 
Potassse Carbouas 
" Bicarbonas 
" Acetas 
" Citras . 
" Tartras 
" Tartras Acida . 
" Sulphas 
" Nitras . 
" Chloras 
" Permanganas . 
Liquor Potassce Permanganatis 
Bichromate of Potash . 
Potassii Iodidum 

Unguentum Potassii Iodidi 
Potassii Bromidum . 
Potassa Sulphurata 
Potassii Ferrocyanidum 
Ferridcyanide of Potassium 
Sodium .... 

Soda Caustica 
Liquor Sodce 



PAGE 
93 

93 
96 
97 
97 
98 
99 
100 
100 
101 
101 
101 
102 
102 
103 
103 
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105 
105 
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109 
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110 
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111 
112 
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112 
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114 
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115 
117 
115, 117 
118 
118 
119 
120 
121 
122 
122 
124 
125 
125 
126 
126 
127 
128 
128 
129 
130 
131 
131 
132 
131, 132 



CONTENTS. 



Xlll 



Sodse Carbonas . 

Sodm Carbonas Exsiccata 
Sodse Bicarbonas 

" Sulpbas 
Acetate of Soda 
Sodse Sulpbis 
Hyposulphite of Soda 
Nitrate of Soda 
Nitrite " . 

Sodse Phosphas 
Borax 

Mel Boracis 
Liquor Sodse Chloratse . 

Cataplasma Soda Chl&ratai 
Sodii Chloridum 
Sodse et Potassse Tartras 
Stannum (Tin) . 
Granulated Tin 
Solution of Chloride of Tin 
Zincum (Zinc) 
Granulated Zinc 
Zinci Oxidum 

Unguentum Zinci Oxidi 
Calamina Praeparata 

Ceratrum Calamines 
Zinci Chloridum 
• " Sulphas . 

" Carbonas 

" Acetas 



Alcoholic and Ethereal 

Alcohol .... 
Spiritus Rectificatus 

Spiritus Tenuior 
Spiritus Vini Gallici 

Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici 
Vinurn Xericum 
Cerevisise Fermentum . 

Cataplasma Fermenti 
either .... 

Spiritus ^Eiheris 
Ether (Pure) . . . 

Spiritus JEtheris Nitrosi 
Chloroformum 

Linimentum Chlorqformi 

Spiritus Chlorqformi 
Fousel Oil . 



Prep 



ARATIONS 



PAGE 
132 

133 
133 
134 
135 
135 
135 
136 
136 
136 
137 
138 
138 
139 
139 
140 
141 
141 
141 
141 
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142 
142 
143 
144 
144 
145 



146 
146 
147 
147 
147 
148 
148 
149 
149 
150 
151 
151 
152 
153 
153 
156 



Hydrocarbons. 

Creosotum ....... 

Mistura Creosoti ..... 

Unguentum Creosoti ..... 

Carbolic Acid . . . . 

Petroleum ....... 

Spiritus Pyroxylicus ..... 

Directions for Collecting and Preserving Vegetable Products 



157 
157 
157 
158 
158 
148 
159 



XIV 



CONTENTS. 



VEGETABLE KINGDOM 



Nat. Ord. Ranunculace.e. 



Aconitum (Folia) 

Aconiti Radix 

Aconitia .... 

Extractum Aconiti (leaves) 
Linimentum " (root) . 
Tinctura " " 

Unguentum Aconitice (alkaloid) 

Podophyllum 

Podophylli Resina 

Helleborus 

Tinctura Hellebori . 

Staphisagria 

Actsea Racemosa 
Tinctura Actcece 



PAGE 

3 60 

360 
360 
361 
161 
161 
161 
163 
363 
364 
164 
164 
165 
165 



Nat. Ord. Magnoliace^. 



Cortez Winteri . 
Illicium Ansiatum 



165 
166 



Nat. Ord. Menispermace^e 

Calumba ...... 

Extractum Galumbce ..... 

Infusum " 

Tinctura " 

Pareira ....... 

Decoctum Pareiraz ..... 

Extractum " Liquidum 
Cocculus ....... 

Unguentum Cocculi 

Nat. Ord. Papaverace^e 

Papaver ....... 

Decoctum JPapaveris 
Syrupus " 

Opium 

Morphise Hydrochloras 
Emplastrum Opii 
Enema " 

Extractum " 

" " Liquidum 

Linimentum " 
Pilula " (PiZ. Saponis Comv.) 

" Plumbi cum Opio 
Pulmis Cretcv Aromaticus cum Opio 
" Ipecacuanhas " " 

" Bjo " " 

Tinctura Opii ..... 

" Camphoraz cum, Opio (Tinct. Camphora, Comp.) 
Trochisci Opii ..... 

Unguentum Galloz cum Opio .... 
Vinum Opii ...... 



166 
166 
167 
167 
167 
168 
168 
168 
169 



369 
369 
369 
370 
170 
373 
173 
174 
174 
174 
174 
174 
174 
174 
174 
175 
175 
175 
175 
175 



CONTENTS. 



XV 



Opium Preparations — (continued.) 

Liquor Morphim JJydrochloratis 

Suppositoria '' 

Trochisci " 

" *' et Ipecacuanha} 

Rhoeas .... 

Syrupus Bhmados . 



PAGE 

176 
176 
176 
176 

182 
182 



Nat. Ord. Crucifer^e. 



Sinapis .... 

Cataplasma Sinapis 
Armoracia 

Spiritus Armoracia Compositus 



183 

184 
185 
185 



Yiolse 

Syrupus Violce 



Senega 

Jnfusum Senega} 
Tinctura " 

Krameria 

Lxtractum Kramerioz 
Jnfusum " 

Tinctura " 



Nat. Ord. Violace^. 



Nat. Ord. Polygalace^e. 



185 
185 



186 

186 
186 
187 
187 
187 
187 



Nat. Ord. Linace^e. 



Lini Semen . „ 

" Farina . 
" Oleum 

Cataplasma Lini (meal) 
Jnfusum " (seed) 

Linum Catharticum 



188 
188 
188 
188 
189 
189 



Althaea 

Syrupus Althmoz 
Cotton Wool 
Pyroxylin 
Collodium 



Nat. Ord. Malvace^:. 



189 
189 
190 
190 
191 



Nat. Ord. Aurantiaoe^e. 



Aurantii Cortex 

" Floris Aqua 

Jnfusum Aurantii (rind) . 

Syrupus " " 

Tinctura " " 

Syrupus " floris 

Limonis Cortex 

" Oleum 

" Succus 

Syrupus Limonis {peel and juice) 

Tinctura " (peel) 
Bela . 

Extractum Belc& Liquidum 



Nat. Ord. Guttifer^e. 



Cambogia . . 

Puula Cambogiai Composita 



191 
191 

192 
192 
192 
192 
192 
193 
193 
193 
193 
194 
194 



195 
195 



XVI 



CONTENTS. 



Nat. Ord. Canellacejs. 



Canella 



PAGE 



196 



Uvse 



Nat. Ord. Yitaoe^e. 



Nat. Ord. Zygophyllace^e. 



Guaiaci Lignum 

Ghiaiacum .... 

Mistura Guaiaci {resin) 

Tinctura " Ammoniata (resin) 



Nat. Ord. Kutace^e. 



Ruta 

Rutse Oleum . 

Bucco 

Infusum Bucco . 
Tinctura " 
Cusparia 

Infusum Cusparia 



Quassia . 

Extradural Quassia} 
Infusum " 

Simaruba 

Cedron . 



Rhamni Succus . 
Syrupus Rhamni 



Nat. Ord 



Nat. Ord. Khamnace^e. 



Nat. Ord 



Terebinthina Chia 

Mastiche 

Myrrh a . 

Pilula Aloes et Myrrhce 
Tinctura " 

Rhus Toxicodendron 

Olibanum 

Elemi 

Unguentum Elemi . 



Glycyrrhiza 

Extractum Glycyrrhiza, 
Tragacantha 

Mucilago Tragacantha, . 

Pulvis " Compositus 

Mucuna .... 

Scoparius 

Decoctum Scoparii 

Succus " 

Pterocarpus .... 
Kino .... 

Pulvis Eino cum Opio . 

Tinctura Eino 
Balsamum Peruvianum 
" Tolutanum . 

Syrupus Tolutanus 

Tinctura Tolutana 



SlMAETJBACEiE. 



TeKEBINTHACE^E . 



Nat. Ord. LEGUMiisrosiE 



196 



197 
197 
198 
198 



199 
199 
200 
200 
200 
200 
201 



202 
202 
202 
202 
203 



203 
204 



204 
204 
205 
206 
206 
206 
207 
207 
207 



208 
208 
208 
209 
209 
209 
209 
210 
210 
210 
210 
211 
211 
211 
212 
213 
213 



CONTENTS. 



XV11 



Calabar Bean 
Haematoxylum 

Decoctum Eixmatoxyli 

Extr 'actum " 

Senna Alexandrina 
" Indica 

Confectio Sennai 

Infusum " 

Tinctura " 

Syrupus " 
Cassia 

Tamarindus . 
Copaiba . 
Copaibae Oleum 
Acacia 

Mucilago Acacice 
Catechu Nigrum 

" Pallidum . 

Infusum Catechu 

Pulvia " Compositios 

Tinctura " 

Trochisci " 
Indigo 

Solution of Sulphate of Indigo 



Nat. Ord 



Rosa Centifolia . 

Aqua Bosm 
Rosa Gallica 

Confectio Rosaz . 

Infusum " Acidum 

Syrupus " Gallicce . 
Rosa Canina 

Confectio Bosce Canina 
Tormentilla 
Cydonium 
Amygdala 
Amygdalae Oleum 

Mistura Amygdala; (seeds) * 

Pulvis " Composite 

Prunum .... 
Lauro-Cerasus 

Aqua Lauro-Cerasi .. 
Cusso .... 

Infusum Cusso 



{seeds) 



Rosacea. 



Nat. Ord. Myrtace^e. 



Caryopbyllum 
Caryophylli Oleum . 

Infusum Caryophylli 
Pirn en ta 
Pimentas Oleum . 

Aqua Pimentos 
Oleum Cajuputi . 

Spiritus Cajuputi 



Nat. Ord. Giianace^e. 



Granati Radix 

Decoctum Granati Badicis 



PAGE 

213 
214 
214 
215 
215 
215 
216 
217 
217 
217 
218 
218 
219 
219 
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223 
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223 
223 
224 



224 
225 
225 
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227 
227 
227 
228 
228 
229 
229 
230 
231 
231 



232 
232 
232 
233 
233 
233 
233 
233 



234 
234 



Nat. Ord. Cucurbitace^e. 



Colocyntbis .... 

Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum . 
Pilula " Composita 

" u et Hyoscyami 

Elaterium .... 



235 
235 
235 
236 
236 



XV111 



CONTENTS. 



Nat. Ord. Umbellifer^. 



Conium .... 
Conii Fructus 

Cataplasma Conii (leaves) . 

Fxtr actum " " 

Succvs " " 

Tinctura " Fructus 
Assafoetida 

Enema Assafodidas 

Pilula Aloes et " 

" " Composite/, 

Tinclura " 

Galbanum 

Emplasirum Galbani 
Sagapenum 
Ammoniacum .... 

Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro 

Mistura 
Anisi Oleum . 
Fceniculum 

Aqua Funiculi 
Cyminum 
Corianclrum . 
Oleum Coriandri 
Carui . 
" Oleum 

Aqua Carui 
Anethum . 
Anethi Oleum 

Aqua Anethi 
Carota 
Sumbul 



PAGE 

237 
237 
238 
238 
238 
238 
239 
239 
239 
239 
240 
240 
240 
241 
241 
242 
242 
242 
243 
243 
243 
244 
244 
244 
244 
245 
245 
245 
245 
245 
246 



Nat. Ord. Caprifoliace^e. 



Sambucus 

Aqua Sambuci 



Nat. Ord. Cinchonace^. 



Cinchona Flava . 
Pallida 

" Kubra 
Quinise Sulphas 
Cinchonise .." 
Quinidinse " 
Cinchonidinse Sulphas . 

Decoctum Cinchonas Flavas 



Extractum 

Infusum 

Tinctura 



Liquidum 



Composita (pale bark) 



" Quinice 
Ipecacuanha .... 

Fulvis Ipecacuanhas cum Opio 
Trochisci Morphia} et Ipecacuanhas 
Vinum Ipecacuanhas 
Caffeine or Theine 



247 
247 



. 247 

247 

. 247 

247, 251 

. 255 

255 
. 255 

255 
. 256 

256 
. 256 

257 
. 257 

262 
. 262 

262 
. 263 

264 



Nat. Ord. Yalerianace^:. 



Valeriana 

Infusum Valeriana 

Tinctura " 
«< « 

Valerianate of Soda 
Zinci Valerianas 



Ammoniata 



264 
265 
265 
265 
266 
266 



CONTENTS. 



XIX 



Nat. Ord. Composite. 



Inula ..... 
Pyrethrum .... 
Absinthium . . . . 

Santonica .... 
Santoninum .... 

Authemis .... 
Anthemidis Oleum 

Infusum Anthemidis {flowers) . 

Extractum " " an I oil) 

Taraxacum .... 

Decoctum Taraxaci . 

JExtr actum " 

Succus " 

Lactuca .... 

Lactucarium .... 
Arnica .... 

Tinctura Arnicas 



Lobelia . 

Tinctura Lobelias 



j&therea 



Chimaphila 



Uva Ursi 

Infusum Uvce Ursi 
Gualtheria 



Nat. Ord. Lobeliace^e. 

Nat. Ord. Pyrolace^e. 
Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. 



Nat. Ord. Styrace^e. 



Sty rax Prseparatus 
Benzoinuni . . . . 

Acidum Benzoicum 

Tinctura Benzoici Composita 



Nat. Ord 



Olivse Oleum 

Sapo Durus .... 

" Mollis 
Glycerin um .... 

Linimentum Calcis {oil) 

" Camphoraz {oil) . 

Fmplastrum Saponis (hard soap) 
Linimentum " " 

Manna .... 



Oleace^e. 



Nat. Ord. Logakiace^e. 



Nux Vomica 

Strychnia 

Jlxtra/Aum Nucis Yomicce 
Tinctura " " 

Liquor Strychnia} 

Faba Sancti I«;uatii . 



Nat. Ord. Asclepiadace^e. 



Hemidesmus 

Syrtopus Hemidesmi 



PAGE 

267 
268 
268 
269 
269 
270 
270 
270 
270 
271 
271 
271 
271 
272 
272 
273 
273 



273 
274 
274 



274 



275 
275 
276 



276 
277 
277 
277 



278 
278 
278 
278 
279 
279 
280 
280 
281 



282 
282 
282 
283 
283 
284 



285 
285. 



XX 



CONTENTS. 



Spifielia 



Nat. Ord. Spigeliace^e. 



Nat. Ord. GENTIANACE2E. 



Gentian a .... 

Extractum Gentiancn 
Infusum '' Compositum 

Tinctura u Composite/, 

Chirata .... 
Infusum Chiratce 
Tinctura " 

Nat. Ord. 

Pcammonise Radix 
Scammonium 
Scammonise Resina 

Confectio Scammonii {resin) 
Mistura " " 

Pulvis " Compositus 

Jalapa . 

Jalapse Resina 

JLxtractum Jalapce . 
Pulvis " Compositus 

Tinctura " 



CONVOLYULACEiE 



Nat. 

Dulcamara 

Infusum Dulcamaras, 
Belladonna 
Belladonna? Radix 
Atropia .... 

jEx.tr actum Belladonna} (leaves) 
Emplastrum " " 

Tinctura " " 

Unguentum " ' ' 

Linimentum " (root) 

Liquor Atropia} (atropia) . 
Unguentum " " 

Stramonii Folia et Semina 

Extractum Stramonii (seeds) 
Tinctura " " 

Hyoscyamus . 

Extractum Hyoscyami 
Tinctura " 

Tabacum . . . 

Enema Tabaci 

Capsicum 

Tinctura Capsici 



Digitalis . 
Digitalinum . 

Infusum Digitalis 
Tinctura " 



Nat. Ord 



Nat 



Rosmarini Oleum 

Spiritus Rosmarini 
Lavandulae Oleum 

Spiritus Lavandulae 

Tinctura " Compos ita 
Mentha? Piperita? Oleum 

Aqua Mentha Piperita} 

Spiritus " " 

Mentha? Viridis Oleum . 

Aqua Mentha} Viridis . 
Pulegii Oleum 



Ord. Solanace^e. 



SCROPHULARIACE^E 



Ord. LabiatvS. 



PAGE 

285 



CONTENTS. 



XXI 



Rheum 

Extr •actum Rhei 
Infusum " 
Pilula " 

Tinctura " 
Ptdvis " 



Nat. Ord. Polygonaceje. 

Composita .... 
Compositus .... 

Nat. Ord. Myristacejs. 



Myristica 
Myristicse Adeps 

" Oleum 

Spiritus Hyristicce (volatile oil) 



Nat. Ord. Latjrace.e. 



Cinnamomum .... 
Cinnamomi Oleum 

Aqua Cinnamomi (bark) 

Pulvis Aromaticus " 

" Cinnamomi Compositus (bark) 

Tinctura Cinnamomi " 

Camphora .... 

Aqua CampJwrce 

Zznimentum " . 



Spiritus 
Iinctura 

Sassafras . 

Laurus (fruit) 

Nectandra 

Beberise Sulphas 



Compositum . 
Cum Opio 



Nat. Ord. Aristolochi^e. 



Serpentaria 

Infusum Serpentarim 

Tinctura " 

Asarum Europaeum, or Asarabacca 



Mezereum 



Cascarilla 

Infusum Cascarillce 

Tinctura " 
Oleum Croiouis 

linimentum Crotonis 
Riciui Oleum 
Kamela 



Piper 

Confectio Piperis 
Piper Longum . 
Cubeba 

Oleum Cubeboe . 
Matica 

Infusum Maticce 



Salicis Cortez 



Nat. Ord. Thymelace^e. 



Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacejs. 



Nat. Ord. Piperace^e. 



Nat. Ord. Salicace^e. 



page 

305 
306 
306 
306 
307 
307 



308 
808 
308 
309 



309 
309 
310 
310 
310 
310 
311 
311 
311 
311 
311 
312 
312 
213 
313 
313 



314 
315 
315 
315 



315 



316 

316 
316 
317 
317 
317 
318 



319 
319 
319 
320 
320 
320 
321 



321 



XX11 



CONTENTS. 



Nat. Ord. UlmaceyE. 



- 






PARE 


Ulmus 






322 


Decoctum Ulmi . 




• 


322 




Nat. 


Ord. Cupulifer^e. 




Quercus . 






. 323 


Decoctitm Quercus 


# 


• • • • • 


323 


Galla 


. , 


• • • • • 


. 324 


Acidum Tannicum 


. 


• • • • • 


324 


" Gallicum 


. # 


• • • • • 


. 324 


Tinctura Gallon . 


m 


• a • • • 


82,5 


Unguentum " 


, , 


• • • • • 


. 325 


" " cum, 


Opio 


• . • • • 


326 


Suppositoria Acidi Tahnici 


■ • • 


. 326 


Trocliisci lt 


it 


; 


326 




Nat. 


Ord. Urticace^e. 




Ficus 






. 327 


Mori Succus . 


• 


. . . . . 


32S 


Syrupus Mori 


. 


..... 


. 328 


Cannabis Indica 


. 


. . • . . 


328 


Pxtractum Cannabis Indicai 


«... 


. 329 


Tinctura " 


<« 


. • . . . 


329 


Lupulus . 


. *. 


..... 


. 330 


PJxtractum Lupuli 
Infusum " 


, 


.... 


330 




..... 


. 330 


Tinctura " . 


. 


. . . . . 


331 



CONIFERS OR PINACE^E. 



Terebinthinse Oleum 

Resina . 

Gonfectio Terebinthince 
Enema " 

Zinimenium " 



Unguentum " 

Emplastrum Resina} 

Unguentum " 
Terebinthiua Canadensis 
Thus Americanum 
Pix Burgundica 

Emplastrum Picis 
Pix Liquida . 
Juniperi Oleum . 

Spiritus Juniperi 
Oleum Cadinum . 
Sabina . 
Sabinse Oleum 

Tinctura Sabinw 

Unguentum " 



Acetic um 



Nat. Ord. Zingiberace^e 



Zingiber .... 

Tinctura Zingiberis . 
Syrupus " -. 
Curcuma .... 

Turmeric Paper . 
" Tincture . 
Cardamomum 

Tinctura Gardamomi Composita 



331 
331 
331 
331 
331 
331 
331 
382 
332 
334 
334 
334 
335 
335 
336 
336 
337 
337 
337 
337 
338 



338 
339 
839 
339 
339 
339 
340 
340 



Nat. Ord. Marantace^e. 



Maranta 



341 



CONTENTS. 



xxm 



Nat Ord. Iridaceje. 



Crocus 

Tinctura Croci 



PAGE 

341 
341 



Nat. Ord. Smilace^e. 



Sarsa 

Decoctum Sarsce 

u « 

Ext) 'actum " 



Compositum 
Liquidum 



342 
344 
344 
544 



Sago 



Nat. OrdL Palmje. 



345 



Nat. Ord. Liliacejs. 



Scilla . 


. • . ■ 


. . 


346 


Pilula Scillce Composita 


• . ■ 


. 346 


bfyrupus '' 


' 




346 


Tinctura " . 


• • • •• 


. . . 


. 347 


Aloe Bavbadensis 


• • < • 




347 


Aloe Socotrina 


. * . . 


. 


. 347 


Enema Aloes, (Barbadoes or Socotrine) 




349 


Extractum Aloes Bavbadensis 


» . . 


. 349 


Pilula 


u 




349 


Decoctum " 


Compositum (Socotrine) 


. . . 


. 350 


Extractum " 


Socotrincz 




350 


Pilula " 


u 


. . . 


. 350 


it u 


et Assqfcetidce (Socotrine) 




350 


« (« 


et Nyrrhce, " 


. . 


. 350 


Tinctura " 


(Socotrine) 




350 


Vinum "" 


u 


• 


, 351 




Nat. Ord Melanthace^e. 




Yeratrum . 






. 352 


Vinum Veratri . 


.... 


. . 


352 


Veratrum Yiride 


.... 


. . . 


. 353 


Sabadilla 


. -. • 


. . ■ 


354 


Yeratria . 


.... 


. . , 


. 354 


Zfnguentum Veratrice " 


. .. 


354 


Colchici Cormus 


• . 


. . 


. 355 


" Semen 


...... 


. . 


355 


Extractum Colcld 


ci (corm) . 


. . 


. 356 


u << 


Aceticum (corm) 


. . 


356 


Vinum " 


(corm) 


. . 


. 356 


Tinctura " 


tie minis 


• 


356 




Nat. Ord. G-RAMmACEiE. 




Farina 






. 358 


Bread . 


■• ■ . . . . 




358 


Amyluro . 


.... 


. . 


. 358 


Afucilago Amyli 


....... 




359 


Hordeuui 


.... 


. . 


. 359 


Decoctum Hordei 


.... 




359 


Arena 


. . . . 


. . 


. 359 


Ergota 


. . • . . 




360 


Extractum Ergolce Liquidum 


. . 


. 361 


Infusum " 


. . . . ' • 




361 


Tinctura " 


.... 


, . 


. 361 


Saccharum Album 






362 


Syrupus 


» . . .. 


. . 


. 362 


Theriaca 


. . . . . 




BQB 



XXIV 



CONTENTS. 



Nat. Ord. Filices. 



Filix 



Extr actum Filicis Liquidum 

Nat 

Cetraria .... 

Becoctum Cetrarim 
Lacmus .... 
Tincture of Litmus 
Blue Litmus Paper . 

lied " . ' - 



Ord. Lichenes. 



PAGE 

363 

364 



364 
365 
365 
365 
365 
365 



ANIMAL KINGDOM 



Castoreum . . 

TincUira Castorei 



Moschus . 

Sevum Praeparatum 

Cornu 

" Ustum 
Saccbarum Lactis 
Fel Bovinum Purificatum 
Pepsina . 



Adeps Prseparatus 

Unguentum Simplex 



Cetaceum 

Unguentum Cetacei 



Ovi Albumen 
w Vitellus 



Isinglass \ 

Solution of Gelatine 
Oleum Morrhuse 



Mel . 

Mel Boracis 
Mel Bepuratum . 
Oxymel 
Cera Alba 
" Flava 

Unguentum Simplex 



CLASS— MAMMALIA. 

RODENTIA. 
RuMINANTIA. 



Pachydermata 



Cetacei. 



CLASS— AYES. 



CLASS— PISCES. 



CLASS— INSECTA. 
Hymenoptera. 



366 
366 



367 
368 
368 
368 
369 
370 
371 



zn 

372 



373 
373 



873 
373 



374 
374 
3/5 



378 
378 
378 
378 
379 
379 
379 



CONTENTS. 



XXV 



Coccus 

Tinctura Cocci 



Eemiptera. 



PAGE 
380 
380 



COLEOPTERA. 



Cantbaris 

Acetum Cantharidis 
Eniplastrum " 

" Calefacien* 

Linimentum Cantharidis 
Tinctiira " 

Uhguentum " 



381 
382 
381 
382 
382 
382 
382 



CLASS— ANNELIDA. 



Hirudo 



384 



Spon gia Usta 



CLASS— POR1FERA. 



385 



Test-Solutions for Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses .... 386 

Posological Table ......... 404 

Table exbibiting the Amounts of important Medicinal Agents in the various Phar- 
maceutic Preparations ........ 421 

Granular Effervescing Salts ....... 425 

Index ........... 427 



TABLE. 



The following Table exhibits the more important differences 
between the nomenclature of the London Pharmacopoeia, 1851, and 
the British Pharmacopoeia, 1884. The substances represented by 
the names which stand opposite to one another in the columns of 
the table, are, for all practical purposes, identical. The second 
division of the table indicates those alterations in the strength of 
preparations of sufficient importance to render them essential to be 
borne in mind in prescribing. Many minor differences of strength 
will be discovered, depending on the alteration in the value of the 
solid ounce ; but even when these occur in the preparations of the 
more active medicines, they will not materially influence the doses, 
being far less than those due to the varying qualities of drugs : 



Loxdo^ Pharmacopoeia, 1851. 

Ammonias Sesquicarbonas 
Antimonii Oxysulphuretum 
Antimonii Potassio-Tartras 
Bismuthi Nitras 
Calx Chlorinata 
Chloroformyl 
Ferri Potassio-Tartras 
Hydrargyri Bichloridum 

Hydrargyri Biniodidum (1836) 
Hydrargyri Chloridum 
Hydrargyri Iodiduni 
Hydrargyri Precipitatum Album 
Hydrargyri Nitrico-Oxidum 
Iodinium 
Liquor Chlorinii 
Liquor Sodas Chlorinates 
Magnesia 
Magnesias Carbonas 



British Pharmacopoeia. 

Ammonite Carbonas 
Antimonium Sulphuratum 
Antimonium Tartaratum 
Bismuthum Album 
Calx Chlorata 
Chloroformum 
Ferrum Tartaratum 
Hydrargyrum Corrosivum Sub- 

limatum 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Pubrum 
Calomelas 

'Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride 
Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Pubrum 
Iodum 

Liquor Chlori 
Liquor Sodas Chloratas 
Magnesia Levis 
Magnesias Carbonas Levis 



(The heavy variety of Magnesia and its Carbonate being now termed 
Magnesia and Magnesias Carbonas.) 



XXV111 



TABLE. 



London- Pharmacopoeia, 1851. 

Oleum Tiglii 
Plumbi Oxiclum 
Potassas Hydras 
Potassii Sulphuretum 
Quinae Disulphas 
Sacchari Faex 
Sapo 
Thus 



British Pharmacopoeia. 

Oleum Crotonis 
Lithargyrum 

Potassa Caustica 
Potassa Sulphurata 
Quiniae Sulphas 
Theriaca 
Sapo Durus 
Thus Americana 



Confectio Amygdalae 
Confectio Aromatica 
Infusum Rosae Compositum 
Mistura Camphorae 
Pilula Galbani Composita 
Pilula Saponis Composita 
Pulvis Ipecacuanhas Compositus 
Pulvis Kino Compositus 
Tinctura Camphorae Composita 



Pulvis Amygdalae Compositus 

Pulvis Cretae Aromaticus 

Infusum Rosae Acidum 

Aqua Camphorae 

Pilula Assafoetidae Composita 

Pilula Opii 

Pulvis Ipecacuanhas cum Opio 

Pulvis Kino cum Opio 

Tinctura Camphorae cum Opio 



»> <» » » — «-f- 



ALTERATIONS IN STRENGTH. 

The dilute mineral acids, although a little altered, are not suffi- 
ciently so as materially to affect the doses. 

Decoct um Scoparii is now simple, without Juniper and Taraxacum. 

Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum restored as in Ph. Lond. 
1836. 

Pilula Colocynthidis Composita is the same as the Edinburgh prep- 
aration, containing powdered Colocynth pulp. 

Extractum Jalapae is made with cold water and spirit, in place of 
boiling water, and is about twice the strength of the Extractum 
Jalapae of 1851. 



TABLE. XXIX 

Extractum Colchici, and Extractum Colchici Aceticum, are stronger 
than the same preparations of 1851, from the subsidence of 
the starch being allowed to take place before the concentration 
of the juice. 

Extractum •Stramonii is made with proof spirit in lieu of water, 
and is therefore a much stronger preparation, and less liable to 
mould, than the Extract of the London Pharmacopoeia. 

Infusum Aurantii contains neither lemon-peel nor cloves. 

Infasum Calumbas is made with cold water. 

Infusum Gentianas Compositum contains spirit and coriander, but 
no lemon-peel. 

Infusum Quassias is made with cold water. 

Liquor Ammonias Acetatis is five times stronger than that of 1851. 

Liquor Potassas and Liquor Sodas, although a little altered in 
strength, are not sufficiently changed to affect the dose. 

Liquor Morphias Hydrochloratis is half the strength of the London 
preparation. 

The Spirits of the British Pharmacopoeia, made by dissolving the 
volatile oils in rectified spirit, are now of uniform strength, and 
contain one fluid part of oil to nine fluid parts of rectified spirit, 
and may be regarded as essences ; they have no relation to the 
corresponding spirits of the London Pharmacopoeia, some being 
thirty-one times, and some as much as ninety-five times stronger. 

Spiritus Chloroformi contains one part by measure of chloroform to 
nineteen of rectified spirit, and is a substitute for the preparation 
previously called Chloric Ether, which varied much in strength. 

Syrupus Sennas is now much stronger, and is an efficient prepara- 
tion. 

Tinctura Aconiti is about one-third the strength of the London 
Tincture, 1851. 

Tinctura Belladonnas is about half the strength of the London 
Tincture^ 1851. 



XXX TABLE. 

Tincttira Conii Fructus, about twice as strong as Tinctura Conii 
(Folia) Lond. 1851. 

Tinctura Digitalis, about one-sixth stronger than the London 
Tincture. 

Tinctura Opii, only diminished in strength in the ratio of 437*5 
to 480. 

Tinctura Zingiberis, about twice as strong as the Tincture, 1851. 

Vinum Ferri now contains one grain of tartarated iron in each fluid 
drachm of the preparation. 

Vinum Opii is made with powdered opium in lieu of the extract, 
and contains no aromatic substances ; it is of the same strength 
as the tincture of opium. 



THE 



ESSENTIALS OF MATERIA MEDICA 
AND THERAPEUTICS. 



MATERIA MEDIOA. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In the various preparations contained in the first part of this 
work, constant reference is made to weights and measures, tempe- 
rature, &c. ; and it is therefore important that these should be 
clearly understood. 

In the British Pharmacopoeia the weights employed differ from 
those previously used in any other similar work ; the apothecaries' 
weight of the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia has been 
abolished, and the avoirdupois pound and ounce adopted, together 
with the troy grain ; the subdivisions of the avoirdupois ounce 
introduced into the Dublin Pharmacopoeia in 1850, have like- 
wise been discarded, and there is now no intermediate weight 
between the ounce and grain. The measures remain the same 
as those of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. 
The weights and measures of the British Pharmacopoeia are as 
follows : — 

WEIGHTS. 

1 pound . . lb. = 16 ounces = 7000 grains. 

1 ounce . . oz. = . . = 437 - 5 grains. 

1 grain . . " gr. = . . = 1 grain. 



1 gallon 

1 pint 

1 fluid ounce 

1 fluid drachm 

1 minim 



MEASURES. 

C =8 pints . O viij. 

O =20 fluid ounces fl. oz. xx. 

fl. oz. = 8 fluid drachms fl. drs. viij. 

fl. drm. =60 minims . min. lx. 

min. =1 minim . min. j. 



All liquids are ordered by measure unless it is stated otherwise. 

It will be observed, that in the above table symbols represent- 
ing the different weights and measures have been introduced : lb. 
representing the pound, oz. the ounce, and gr. the grain ; it will 
also be seen that the numbers made use of under the weights are 
2 



2 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

of the Arabic character. The symbols for the measures are C, for 
the gallon ; 0, the pint • fl. oz., the fluid ounce ; fl. drm., the fluid 
drachm ; and min., the minim ; and the numbers, instead of being 
Arabic as in the case of the weights, are the Roman numerals. 

In the present work, when quantities are introduced, the Arabic 
numbers have been in all cases adopted • in writing prescriptions 
either may be made use of. 

It will be seen that the solid drachm and the scruple have been 
omitted from the Pharmacopoeia ; if still made use of, they will 
represent sixty and twenty grains respectively in Great Britain, 
and not the eighth and twenty-fourth part of the avoirdupois 
ounce ; but in Ireland these same symbols will only represent 
54*68 and 18*22 grains. Such being the case, it will be advisable 
to discard the employment of these symbols altogether. 

The avoirdupois fluid ounce corresponds to the solid ounce, in 
the case of distilled water at 60° Fah. ; that is, one fluid ounce 
weighs exactly an ounce. A minim of distilled water, however, 
does not weigh one grain, as the fluid ounce is divided into 480 
minims ; the solid ounce into 437*5 grains only. 

In Appendix D of the Pharmacopoeia the following table is 
contained, showing the relation between the measures and weights 
now made officinal in pharmacy, and likewise the relation of the 
weights and measures of the British Pharmacopoeia to those of the 
metrical system. 

RELATION OF MEASURES TO "WEIGHTS OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA. 

1 gallon . . = the measure of 10 pounds of water. 

1 pint 

1 fluid ounce 

1 fluid drachm 

1 minim 

[In the Pharmacopoeia of the U. S. the troy pound is employed, 
and the divisions, with their signs annexed, are given in the fol- 
lowing table : — 



1-25 


u 


1 ounce 


u 


56*68 grains 
0-91 " 


u 



The pound lb. 
The ounce 
The drachm 
The scruple 



- contains < 



twelve ounces, § . 
eight drachms, 3 . 
three scruples, $ . 
twenty grains, gr. 



The term pound, however, is disused and the weight is expressed 
in ounces, each containing four hundred and eighty grains. The 
drachm and scruple are also disused, and replaced by their equi- 



LNTKODUCTION. 3 

valents in grains. The weight of the grain is the same in both 
the Br. and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The avoirdupois oz. of the 
former contains but 437'5 grains or 42'5 less than the troy ounce, 
while the troy lb. contains 5760 grains or 1240 grains less than 
the avoirdupois pound. In the measures, instead of the imperial 
pint weighing 8750 grains of water at 62° F. and at a baro- 
metric pressure of 30 inches, the U. S. Ph. adopts the old wine 
measure, which weighs 7289*725 grains of water, under similar 
precautions, that is, 1460'225 grs. or about ^ less than the pint of 
the Br. Ph., and its measures are always expressed in pints or 
parts of a pint. Again, in the U. S. Ph., 

The pint, O ) ) sixteen fluid ounces, /§ . 

The fluid ounce > contains > eight fluid drachms, fZ . 
The fluid drachm ) ) sixty minims, n\,. ] 

RELATION OF WEIGHTS OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA TO METRICAL 

WEIGHTS. 

1 pound = 453-588 grammes. 

1 ounce = 28-349 " 

1 grain = 0-0648 " 



RELATION OF MEASURES OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA TO METRICAL 

MEASURES. 

1 gallon 
1 pint 



1 fluid ounce 
1 fluid drachm 
1 minim 



4-543458 litres. 

0-567932 " 

0-028396 *« 

0-003550 " 

0-000059 " 



The following remarks concerning certain groups of pharma- 
ceutic preparations contained in the British Pharmacopoeia may 
prove of service to the reader, by enabling him to discover at a 
glance the nature of their more important general characters, 
and facilitating the understanding of some peculiarities in nomen- 
clature and methods of preparation found in many of them. 

Acida. Acids. Among this group, directions are found for 
making certain dilute acids, and the same rule has in most instances 
been followed ; for example, Acidum Hydrochlorium Dilutum, 
Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, Acidum Nitro-hydrochlorium Dilutum, 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, and Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum, 
will be seen to have nearly the same neutralising powers, measured, 
except in the case of dilute phosphoric acid, by the amount of an 
alkaline solution which they are capable of saturating. Acidum 
Sulphuricum Aromaticum, which is really a dilute acid, is some- 



4 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

what weaker ; and Acidum Aceticum Dilutum has been so formed 
as to assimilate it closely in strength with Acetum, or vinegar. 
Acidum Hydrocyanicuui Dilutum hardly belongs to the same 
category of medicines, as it is not employed on account of its acid 
properties. 

Aquce. Waters. The waters of pharmacy consist of water 
holding in solution very small quantities of oils or other volatile 
principles. In the British Pharmacopoeia two principal methods 
are adopted for making these preparations. In the first, the part 
of the plant is ordered to be placed with water in a retort, and a 
certain quantity of water brought over by distillation ; this is the 
case with the dill, caraway, cinnamon, fennel, cherry-laurel, pimento, 
rose, and elder-flower waters. 

The second method consists in distilling the volatile oils, pre- 
viously obtained from the plants, with water ; peppermint and 
spearmint waters are thus prepared. 

Aqua Camphorae, formerly termed Mistura Camphors, is made 
simply by allowing water to dissolve as much camphor as it is 
capable of taking up ; and Aqua Destillata is ouly water distilled 
with such precautions, as to ensure its freedom from any appreci- 
able or important amount of foreign matters. 

Cataplasmata. Cataplasms or Poultices. Cataplasms are 
soft, moist, local applications, employed sometimes solely for the 
sake of their moisture and temperature, but more frequently, in 
addition to these properties, on account of certain peculiar active 
remedies contained in them. 

The basis of the cataplasms in the British Pharmacopoeia is 
linseed meal, either alone, or united with bread or flour ; boiling 
water is employed for mixing the ingredients, except in the case 
of Cataplasma Fermenti, when water at 100° Fah. is made use of, 
in order that the catalytic powers of the ferment may not be in- 
jured by the heat. Olive oil is added to the Cataplasma Lini as 
a substitute for the natural oil which has been removed from the 
linseed by expression. 

Confectiones. Confections, Electuaries, or Conserves. Confections 
are used sometimes merely as a basis for pill masses, <fec, some- 
times for the exhibition of sparingly soluble remedies whioh 
require to be administered in bulky doses. Honey or sugar, or 
■both these substances, form a prominent part of all confections. 



INTRODUCTION. 5 

Decocta. Decoctions. A decoction is a watery solution of a 
medicinal substance prepared by boiling. The length of time 
ordered in the Pharmacopoeia is in most instances from ten to 
twenty minutes ; in some cases boiling for an hour is directed, 
and, in one instance, Decoctum Granati Radicis, two pints are to 
be reduced to the bulk of a pint. The length of time should be 
proportionate to the solubility of the active matter of the drug ; 
but prolonged boiling is often objectionable from rendering this 
portion less active, or even inert. In two decoctions only, namely, 
Decoctum Aloes Compositum and Decoctum Sarsge Compositum, 
are the preparations made compound by the introduction of more 
than one active drug. Only those medicines should be used in 
the form of decoction which contain active principles not injured 
by the boiling temperature ; if volatile oils are present, these are 
dissipated in the process. Decoctions should be strained when 
hot, as a deposit of active matters occasionally takes place when 
the preparation becomes cold, as in Decoctum Cinchonas Flavae. 

All the decoctions are prepared from vegetable substances. 

Extracta. Extracts. Many different kinds of extracts are to 
be found in the British Pharmacopoeia. 

1. Some consist of the fresh juice, reduced to the state of solid 
extract by evaporation : these are commonly termed fresh or green 
extracts, and are ordered to be prepared in the following manner. 
The juice obtained from the fruits of the plant, leaves and flower- 
ing tops, &c, is first heated to 130°, in order to coagulate the 
green colouring matter, filtered and heated to 200°, at which tem- 
perature the albumen is coagulated. After being again filtered 
to remove the albumen, the juice is evaporated at a temperature 
not exceeding 140° to the consistence of a thin syrup, and the 
colouring matter, previously separated by the first coagulation, is 
added, and the whole evaporated to the proper consistence of an 
extract. 

It will be observed, if the details of the process be examined, 
that the colour of a green extract is no test of its goodness, for 
the evaporation of the bulk of the juice may have been carried on 
at too high a temperature, and yet the product may preserve its 
green appearance, provided the last part of the process be care- 
fully conducted. 



6 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

The green extracts of the Pharmacopoeia are Extractum Aconiti, 
Extractum Belladonnas, Extractum Conii, and Extractum Hyos- 
cyami. Extractum Colchici, Extractum Colchici Aceticum, and 
Extractum Taraxaci, are formed in a similar manner, with the 
exception that in the preparation of these extracts the temperature 
of the juice is at once raised to 212° to coagulate the albuminous 
matters, and the filtered juice afterwards reduced to the proper 
consistence at a temperature of 160°. 

2. A second group of extracts is formed from the drugs in a dry 
state, by the action of cold or boiling distilled water, by which 
means all the matters soluble in this menstruum are dissolved, and 
the fluid afterwards reduced by evaporation to the proper con- 
sistence. In this manner the following extracts are prepared : — 

Extractum Aloes Barbadensis, Extractum Aloes Socotrinae, Ex- 
tractum Anthemidis, Extractum Gentianae, Extractum Glycyrrhizae, 
Extractum Hseinatoxyli, Extractum Krameriae, Extractum Opii, 
and Extractum Quassia?. 

3. A third group is formed in a similar manner, except that the ac- 
tive matters are extracted by means of rectified or of dilute spirit, 
in place of water. This group consists of Extractum Calumbae 
(proof-spirit), Extractum Cannabis Indicae (rectified spirit), Ex- 
tractum Colocynthidis Compositum (proof-spirit), Extractum 
Jalapae (first spirit, then cold water), Extractum Humuli (spirit, 
then by boiling in water), Extractum Nucis Vomicae (rectified 
spirit), Extractum Rhei (spirit and water), and Extractum Stra- 
monii (proof-spirit). 

4. In the British Pharmacopoeia liquid extracts are introduced ; 
these preparations are made for the most part by macerating the 
drug in a large quantity of cold water, and extracting by this 
means such of the active matter as is soluble in this menstruum ; 
afterwards evaporating the watery infusion, and, lastly, adding 
sufficient spirit to prevent decomposition. 

In the Pharmacopoeia the following liquid extracts are found : 
Extractum Cinchonas Flavae Liquidum, Extractum Ergotae Li- 
quidum, Extractum Filicis Liquidum, Extractum Opii Liquidum, 
Extractum Pareirae Liquidum, Extractum Sarzae Liquidum. 

In the case of the liquid extracts of Bael, Ergot, and Pareira, 
each fluid part represents a solid part of the drug employed. 



rNTKODTTCTIO^. 7 

5. Ether is occasionally employed in lieu of water in the 
formation of the liquid extracts, especially when the drug contains 
much oleaginous matter. In the case of Extractum Ergotse Li- 
quidum it is used to free the preparation from the oil ; in that of 
Extractum Filicis Liquidum it is employed as the solvent of the 
active matter. 

Infusa. Infusions. There are a few points to be noticed 
under Infusions. 

In the preparation of the majority of them, boiling distilled 
water is ordered, the time of infusing varying from ten minutes to 
two hours, according to the solubility of the active ingredients of 
the drugs ; in some few cases, as in those of the infusions of 
Chiretta and Cusparia, water at 120° Fah. is made use of; and 
in others, as the infusions of Calumba, Gentian, and Quassia, 
cold distilled water is employed. In the case of calumba the use 
of cold water is of advantage, as the starch is not dissolved, and 
hence the infusion will keep much longer, and will not strike a 
blue colour in the presence of free iodine. 

In making Infusum Gentianas Compositum, a different method 
of procedure is adopted. A little proof-spirit is first poured upon 
the dry ingredients, and, after maceration, cold water is added, 
and the process continued as with other infusions. 

Linimenta. Liniments, Embrocations. A liniment, derived from 
linio, I anoint, implies strictly a preparation capable of being used 
in anointing, and therefore of an oily or soapy nature. In the 
British Pharmacopoeia the word is employed in a more extended 
sense, and includes most of the liquid pharmaceutic preparations 
which are employed as external remedies, and either rubbed or 
painted upon the part. 

The majority of the liniments contain either a fixed or volatile 
oil or soap, camphor being regarded as a concrete volatile oil ; the 
exceptions are Linimentum Cantharidis and Linimentum Iodi ; 
both of which, unless united with other liniments or oily sub- 
stances, are best used as paints, for producing blistering or power- 
ful counter-irritation. 

Liquores. Solutions. These preparations are watery solutions, 
either of inorganic substances or of certain definite active organic 
principles, and should not be confused either with juices of 



8 MATERIA MEDICA. 

plants (sued), or with liquid extracts : this error is frequently 
made. 

It is important to remember certain points in regard to these 
preparations. 

When made "by the solution of a salt or alkaloid, the strength 
is such that four grains of the active principle are contained in 
one fluid ounce of the preparation ; this is the case with Liquor 
Arsenicalis, Liquor Atropias, Liquor Morphia? Hydrochloratis, 
Liquor Potassa? Permanganatis, Liquor Sodas Arseniatis, and 
Liquor Strychnia?. It must be remembered that Liquor Morphia? 
Hydrochloratis is only half the strength of the preparation in the 
London Pharmacopoeia ; also, that Liquor Ammonia? Acetatis is 
five times stronger. 

Spiritus. Spirits. Many of the spirits of the British Phar- 
macopoeia differ greatly from the preparations bearing the same 
name in the London Pharmacopoeia. Those made with volatile 
oils have now a uniform strength, containing one fluid part of the 
oil to nine fluid parts of rectified spirit. Of this composition are 
Spiritus Cajuputi, Spiritus Camphora?, Spiritus Juniperi, Spiritus 
Lavandula?, Spiritus Mentha? Piperita?, Spiritus Myristica?,. and 
Spiritus Rosmarini. The above compounds are the same as the 
essences of the last Dublin Pharmacopoeia. 

Spiritus Chloroform! contains only one fluid part of chloroform 
to nineteen fluid parts of rectified spirit, and is the correct name 
for the so-called chloric ether, a preparation which varies so much 
in strength at different establishments. 

Spiritus iEtheris is the old compound spirits of ether, with the 
omission of the oil of wine. 

Spiritus Juniperi contains about ninety-five times, Spiritus 
Mentha? Piperita? forty-seven times, and Spiritus Rosmarini 
thirty-one times, as much volatile oil as the corresponding prepa- 
rations of the London College. 

Sued. Juices. These preparations have been for some time 
used in medicine, and three are now made officinal : Succus Conii, 
Succus Scoparii, and Succus Taraxaci. In each instance the 
expressed juice of the plant has one-third of its volume of 
rectified spirit added, a quantity found sufficient to preserve it 
from decomposition. The strength of these juices is liable to 
vary from the influence of situation, soil, and season upon the plant. 



lOTKODUCTIOltf. 9 

Suppositoria. Suppositories. Preparations newly introduced 
for the local application of certain drugs ; they are two only in 
number, namely, tannic acid and morphia ; these agents are ordered 
to be made up with sugar or glycerine, lard, and soap, divided 
into cones, and then coated with a thin covering of wax. 

[Suppositories are not officinal in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
They are best made with butter of cacao in the form of small 
cylinders, and introduced by means of a suppository syringe.] 

Tincturod. Tinctures. In the British Pharmacopoeia this group 
is very extensive, and it will be observed that in the preparation 
of the various tinctures, different menstrua are employed, as 
rectified spirit, proof spirit, compound spirit of ammonia, and 
spirit of ether. 

Rectified Spirit is used whenever the active portion of the 
drug from which the tincture is made is of sparing solubility in 
more dilute alcohol. This is the case with some alkaloids, resin- 
ous, and oily matters. 

In the Pharmacopoeia, rectified spirit is used in the tinctures of 
Aconite, Arnica, Assafcetida, Benzoin, Indian Hemp, Capsicum, 
Castor. Perchloride of Iron, Iodine, Kino, Lavender, Myrrh, 
Nux Vomica, Tolu, and Ginger. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is 
employed pharmaceutically with the same object as rectified spirit, 
namely, to dissolve resins and oily substances, but it is also used 
with a view to its own medicinal powers ; its alkaline properties 
render it a potent solvent of resinous acids. It is only ordered 
for two tinctures, viz., Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata and Tinctura 
Valerianae Ammoniata. 

Spirit of Ether (a mixture of two parts by volume of rectified 
spirit and one part of ether) is used to form one tincture, Tinc- 
tura Lobeliae ^Etherea, and in this instance the antispasmodic 
virtues of the ether, rather than its solvent powers, have doubtless 
led to its employment. 

Proof Spirit is used in making the remainder of the tinctures, 
containing matters partly soluble in water, partly in spirit ; the 
amount of alcohol in proof spirit is more than sufficient to ensure 
an absence of all decomposition in the preparations, even when 
kept for a lengthened period. 

Many of the tinctures made with rectified spirit, or with aro- 



10 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

matic spirit of ammonia, become milky when added to water, on 
account of the precipitation of the resinous or oily matters which 
are insoluble in water, and a species of emulsion is thus formed. 
Under these circumstances it is often desirable to have mucilage 
of acacia rubbed up with the tincture before the addition of the 
water, and by this means the insoluble matters are held in suspen- 
sion for a long time. 

Trochisci. Lozenges. This group, although long officinal in 
the Edinburgh, is now for the first time introduced into an Eng- 
lish Pharmacopoeia. There are six different lozenges ; viz., of 
Tannic Acid, Bismuth, Catechu, Morphia, Morphia with Ipecacu- 
anha, and Opium. In all cases the lozenge mass is ordered to be 
divided into a given number (720) of lozenges, and hence a definite 
quantity of the active matters is contained in each. 

Unguenta. Ointments. It will be observed that cerates are 
altogether omitted from the Pharmacopoeia, but many of the pres- 
ent ointments contain wax, and are similar in character and com- 
position to preparations formerly termed cerates. 

In the ointments of the active principles of vegetables, as of 
Aconitia, Atropia, and Veratria, eight grains of the active princi- 
ple are contained in about an ounce of the preparation. 

Vina. Wines. In these preparations sherry wine is used as 
the menstruum. Yinum Ferri is now made by dissolving tartara- 
ted iron in sherry, and Yinum Opii by digesting opium in the 
same ; in the London Pharmacopoeia iron wire was employed for 
the former, and extract of opium for the latter preparation. 



Attention to the following directions may prove of some value. 

Care must be taken that medicines do not acquire any impurity 
from the material of the vessels in which they are either prepared 
or kept ; therefore, unless otherwise ordered, glass, or vitrified 
ware, such as porcelain or stone, whose surface is not glazed with 
lead, should be employed. 

All acid, alkaline, or metallic preparations, and salts of every 
kind, should be kept in stoppered glass bottles, and occasionally 
those made of green or black glass are desirable. 

When the saturation of acids or alkalies is ordered, it is sup- 



ESTKODUCTION. 11 

posed that this is determined by the use of litmus or turmeric 
papers. In applying tests, distilled water should be made use of ; 
and, unless otherwise ordered, white bibulous paper should be used. 
In the filtration of liquids, or drying of crystals, degrees of heat 
are measured by Fahrenheit's thermometer : boiling heat is 212° ; 
a gentle heat between 90° and 100°. Specific gravities are to be 
taken at the temperature of 60°. In ascertaining the weight of 
any precipitate, the precipitant should be added in excess, and the 
precipitate well washed, and afterwards dried at 212° ; care, how- 
ever, is sometimes necessary, in order that the precipitate be not 
redissolved by the excess of the precipitant. 

Crucibles should be made of Hessian or Cornish ware. 

Exposure to hot water, or the vapour of boiling water, in a 
proper vessel, constitutes a Water Bath. 

A Sand Bath consists of sand heated in a suitable vessel. 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



INORGANIC SUBSTANCES. 



OXYGEN, 

(O. Eq.=8.) 

Oxygen is a colourless and odourless gas ; it forms, on an aver- 
age, 20*81 per cent, by measure, or 23*01 per cent, by weight, of 
atmospheric air. The specific gravity is 1*1057, the specific grav- 
ity of air being 1 . It combines in various proportions with nearly 
all the elementary substances, and is the great supporter of com- 
bustion and respiration. In combination with hydrogen it forms 
water. 

Oxygen may "be prepared in various ways ; when large quanti- 
ties are required it is generally obtained by the action of heat on 
peroxide of manganese, 3 Mn0 2 =MnO, Mn 3 8 + 2 0, pure oxide 
of manganese yielding about one-ninth of its weight of oxygen. 
Chlorate of potash may be used for the same purpose, and the de- 
composition is then as follows : KO,C10 5 — KC1 + 6 0. 

A peculiar modification of oxygen, known as Ozone, is produced 
under certain circumstances, as when a succession of electric sparks 
is passed through air, or through oxygen, a large portion of the 
oxygen is converted into ozone, which lias a peculiar odour, is 
much denser than oxygen, and seems to be a more active form of 
this gas * it can be formed by other means, and in the course of 
the slow oxidation of phosphorous and other substances, is pro- 
duced in small quantities. 

It is a powerful oxidising agent ; it displaces iodine from its 
metallic combinations ; starch paper impregnated with a solution 
of iodide of potassium is generally used to detect its presence in 
the atmosphere, the iodine being set free combines with the starch 



14 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

to form the blue iodide ; it converts the protosalts of manganese 
into persalts, and the sulphite of lead into sulphate. 

Therapeutics. A solution of oxygen in water has been used as 
a slight stimulant and excitant. Considerable advantages were at 
first anticipated from the introduction of the gas as a remedial 
agent, but clinical experience has not confirmed these anticipations. 
Its inhalation, which has been tried in certain states of the system 
accompanied with deficient aeration of the blood, has not been 
attended with much success. 



(K Eq-14.) 

Nitrogen constitutes 79*19 per cent, of the atmosphere by meas- 
ure, or 76*99 by weight. Sp. gr. 0*9713. It seems to act the part 
of a diluent in the air, counteracting the too stimulating proper- 
ties of oxygen. Nitrogen forms acids with three and five equiva- 
lents of oxygen (N0 3 and N0 5 ) ; the salts known as the nitrites 
and the nitrates, especially the latter, are much used in medicine. 
With hydrogen it forms ammonia, with carbon it forms cyanogen, 
and enters into the composition of all the alkaloids, and many of 
the other most active medicinal principles, as morphia, quinia, 
and prussic acid. Water at the ordinary temperature dissolves 
about sVth of its bulk of nitrogen. It is rarely or never employed 
in its free state as a therapeutic agent. 

HYDROGEN. 

(H. Eq.=1.) 
Hydrogen is a colourless inodorous gas, which has never been 
liquefied, and is but slightly soluble in water. It is the lightest 
form of matter known, and has a sp. gr. 0*0692. In combination 
with one equivalent of oxygen it forms water, and with two equiv- 
alents the peroxide of hydrogen (H0 2 ). The latter is a liquid of 
syrupy consistence, and is a very unstable compound ; it possesses 
powerful oxidising properties, bleaches a solution of litmus, and 
has a somewhat metallic taste. 

Therapeutics. Hydrogen possesses but little value as a reme- 
dial agent. When mixed with a certain quantity of oxygen and 
breathed, it imparts a peculiar shrill and sharp tone to the voice. 
The peroxide of hydrogen whitens the epidermis and epithelium 



CAEBO]^. 15 

of the tongue, and is supposed to possess some stimulant and dis- 
infecting action upon the system, but farther investigations are 
required to establish its value as a medicine. 

CARBON. 

(C. Eq.=6.) 

An elementary body found pure, or almost so, in the diamond, 
plumbago, and anthracite ; combined with other elements, it enters 
into almost all vegetable and animal substances. In medicine it 
is now only employed in the form of charcoal, of which there are 
two varieties, vegetable and animal. 
Oarbo Ligni. Wood Charcoal. 

Wood charred by exposure to a red heat without access of air. 

Prep. Obtained by burning wood with a limited supply of 
air, by which the hydrogen, etc., are burnt off, and the carbon 
remains. Wood yields from seventeen to twenty-three per cent. 
It is met with either in the form of the pieces of wood from which 
it was made, or as a black powder. 

Prop. & Com. It is odourless and almost tasteless ; it pos- 
sesses the power of absorbing gases and odours to a great extent, 
especially when recently prepared j besides carbon, it contains 
some salts, about two per cent. It is insoluble in water, and in 
close vessels is neither melted nor volatilized by the most intense 
heat. 

Off. Prep. Cataplasma Caebonis, Charcoal Poultice. (Wood 
charcoal, in powder, half an ounce ; bread, two ounces ; linseed 
meal, one ounce and a half ; boiling water, ten fluid ounces. Mix 
the water, bread, and linseed ; then add half the charcoal, and 
sprinkle the remainder on the surface.) 

Therapeutics. It has been employed on account of its absorb- 
ing power, as an antiseptic and corrector of acidity and flatus of 
the stomach and intestines, and to correct the state of the faeces in 
some diseases. As an external application it is used in the form 
of poultice, to prevent the fcetor of ulcers, etc. Dr. Stenhouse 
has recently proposed its being used in the manufacture of respira- 
tors for those who are subjected to the influence of injurious gases 
or vapours. Internally it is given in certain forms of dyspepsia, 
accompanied with flatus and acidity. 

Dose. Internally from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, recently 



16 MATERIA MEDICA. 

made, and carefully preserved in stoppered vessels. It is some- 
times made into a biscuit and thus employed ; sometimes also it is 
given in the form of lozenges. 

Bone Black. 

Ivory Black, Animal Charcoal, Appendix A. The residue of 
ox and sheep bones which have been exposed to a red heat with- 
out the access of air, reduced to powder : it contains about 10 per 
cent, of carbon, the remaining 90 per cent, consisting of phosphate, 
with a little carbonate, of lime. 

Carbo Animalis Puriflcatus. Purified Animal Charcoal. 
Bone black, deprived of its earthy salts. 

Prep. It is prepared by treating bone black with very dilute 
hydrochloric acid, to remove all the salts ; then washing and dry- 
ing, and afterwards heating to redness in a covered crucible. 

Prop. & Comp. Inodorous and almost tasteless ; absorbs gases 
and odours, and has also great power in abstracting almost all 
principles from their solutions, such as alkaloids, bitter and colour- 
ing matters, etc. 

Therapeutics. Animal charcoal may be used in the same way 
and for the same purposes as vegetable, in addition to which the 
author has shown that its antidotal power against vegetable 
poisons is very great, rendering inert opium, nux vomica, aconite, 
and almost all the active organic poisons. In pharmacy it is used 
to deprive alkaloids and other principles of their colour, etc. 

Dose. As an antacid and corrector of fcetor, from a teaspoonful 
to a tablespoonful ; as an antidote, from half an ounce to two 
ounces or more, according to the amount of poison taken ; it may 
be suspended in water for a short time, and thus administered. 
Common bone black in the state of fine powder may be used as 
an antidote or externally applied ; it is much more powerful than 
the purified charcoal, if estimated by the amount of contained 
carbon. 

SULPHUR. 

(S. Eq. = 16.) 
An elementary body found native as virgin sulphur ; also in 
combination, as sulphurets of metals, etc. 
Sulphur Sublimatum. [U. S.] Sublimed Sulphur ; Flowers of 

Sulphur. 
[Sulphur Lotum. Washed Sulphur. U. S.] 



STJLPHUE. 17 

Sulphur Prgecipitatum. Precipitated Sulphur ; Lac Sulphuris. 
Prep, Sublimed sulphur is generally prepared from the virgin 
sulphur, by causing it to rise in vapours, which are condensed in a 
chamber. It may also be made from any metallic sulphuret, but is 
then more liable to contain impurities, as arsenic, etc. The pre- 
cipitated sulphur is directed in the Pharmacopoeia to be prepared 
by first forming a sulphuret of calcium, by heating sulphur and 
lime with water, then causing the precipitation of the sulphur by 
means of hydrochloric acid, and washing the product with dis- 
tilled water until the washings cease to have an acid re-action or 
precipitate with oxalate of ammonia ; showing that the acid and 
lime have been removed. The sulphur should be dried at a tem- 
perature not exceeding 120°. 

Prop. & Comp. Sublimed sulphur is a citron or bright yellow 
coloured powder, without taste and odour, sp. gr. P98, which 
rises in vapour at 600° Fah., it is soluble in hot oil of turpentine 
and bi-sulphuret of carbon, and to a small extent in oils. It 
burns with a blue flame, and the evolution of sulphurous acid. 
Precipitated sulphur forms a pale yellow powder ; in other re- 
spects resembles sublimed sulphur. Neither should give an acid 
reaction to water. The composition of both kinds of sulphur is 
the same. When heated to a certain point sulphur assumes a 
peculiar viscid condition. 

Off. Prep. Of sublimed sulphur. 

Confectio Sulphuris. Confection of Sulphur. (Sublimed sul- 
phur, four ounces ; acid tartrate of potash, in powder, one ounce ; 
syrup of orange peel, four fluid ounces.) 

Unguextum Sulphuris. Ointment of Sulphur. (Sublimed sul- 
phur, one ounce ; prepared lard, four ounces.) [Sublimed sulphur, 
one troy ounce ; lard, two troy ounces ; mix them. IT. S.] 

Therapeutics. In small doses sulphur is absorbed and then acts 
as a stimulant to the skin and different mucous membranes, pass- 
ing off as sulphuretted hydrogen from the skin, becoming partly 
oxidised, and increasing the amount of sulphuric acid in the urine. 
In larger doses it produces a laxative or very mild purgative 
effect upon the bowels. Externally it is a slight stimulant, and 
has the power of destroying the acarus scabiei or itch insect. It 
is given as a stimulant in chronic cutaneous affections, chronic 
3 



18 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

bronchitis, and rheumatism ; as a laxative to children and delicate 
persons ; also in diseases of the rectum, as piles. Externally it is 
applied as an ointment in skin affections, especially scabies. 

Dose. Of either form of Sulphur. As a stimulant, from 10 gr. 
upwards. As a laxative, 30 gr. to 60 gr. or more. Of confec- 
tion, 20 gr. to 120 gr. Formerly sulphur, dissolved in olive oil, 
and called balsam of sulphur, was a favourite remedy. 

Adulteration. Sublimed sulphur may contain a trace of sul- 
phurous acid from oxidation during sublimation ; it should, how- 
ever, be free from this, and not redden moistened litmus paper ; 
and a solution of ammonia which has been agitated with it should 
not leave any residue ; when washed it is called sulphur lotum. The 
precipitated sulphur contains sometimes from 50 to 70 per cent. 
of sulphate of lime, arising from sulphuric acid being occasionally 
used to precipitate it ; this impurity can be detected by its not 
subliming with heat ; sublimed sulphur when pure does not show 
any crystals under the microscope, but simply opaque globules. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

N (P. Eq.=31.) 

Phosphorus. (Appendix.) Phosphorus. 

Prep. From phosphoric acid or superphosphate of lime (made 
by acting upon bone ashes with oil of vitriol) by distillation with 
charcoal, when carbonic acid is formed and phosphorus set free, 
which sublimes. 

Prop. <& Comp. A waxy -looking substance, usually in the form 
of pipes, from being cast into moulds, almost colourless and trans- 
parent when fresh, luminous in the dark, from oxidating and 
forming phosphorus acid (P0 3 ), very easily inflamed ; sp. gr. 1*77 ; 
melts at 108° Fah. ; insoluble in water ; soluble in ether, oils, and 
true naphtha ; entirely soluble in boiling oil of turpentine and 
bisulphide of carbon. When burnt, forms phosphoric acid (P0 5 ) ; 
becomes opaque and reddish on the surface when old, from the 
formation of a suboxide, to prevent which it should be kept in 
water and in the dark. Phosphorus also exists in a peculiar 
allotropic condition, known as amorphous or red phosphorus, in 
the form of a red powder, which may be exposed to the air with- 
out giving off any fumes, and may be heated in the open air till 



IODINE. 19 

the temperature reaches 500°, at which point it takes fire, etc. 
This variety is not soluble in bisulphide of carbon. 

Therapeutics. Very seldom given internally ; it is said to act 
as a powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac, producing considerable 
gastro-intestinal irritation and other dangerous effects in large 
doses ; it has been employed on the Continent in low fevers, 
cholera, etc., and in this country in the treatment of phthisis. 
The fumes of phosphorus produce on individuals exposed to them 
for a lengthened period, a peculiar disease of the jaw-bone, 
probably from phosphorus acid being present. 

Dose. Gr. T V to gr. ^ dissolved in ether or olive oil. Phos- 
phorus is introduced for the preparation of phosphoric acid. 

IODINE. 

(I. Eq. = 127.) 
Xodum Purificatum. Purified Iodine. [Iodinium, Iodine. U. S.] 
Iodine, in crystals (so named from Zwd^c, violet). 

Prep. Iodine is prepared from kelp, the vitrified ashes of sea- 
wrack, found in the Western Islands, north of Scotland and Ire- 
land ; from the solution of this substance, after the crystallization 
of most of the salts, as the carbonate of soda, &c, a liquor re- 
mains, containing the iodides of sodium, potassium, and magne- 
sium ; this, when treated with sulphuric acid and binoxide of 
manganese, yields iodine, which sublimes, and is collected in re- 
ceivers ; by means of the peroxide of manganese oxygen is set 
free and replaces the iodine ; if we suppose one equivalent of 
iodide of sodium to be acted on by one of binoxide of manganese 
and two of sulphuric acid, the formula representing the changes 
is as follows : 

(Na I + Mn 2 -f-2 S0 3 =Na 0, S0 8 + Mn 0, S0 3 + I). 

Prop, dk Comp. Black scales, or laminar crystals, with metallic 
lustre, sp. gr. 4 # 95, odour similar to chlorine, melts when heated, 
then sublimes in a beautiful violet vapour, solubfe in rectified 
spirits and ether, but slightly so in pure water, about T7 Vo part, 
much more soluble in a watery solution of iodide of potassium 
and chloride of sodium. The aqueous solutions precipitate^ 



20 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

starch of a dark-blue colour. In free alkaline solutions iodine 
dissolves and forms salts. 

Off. Prep. Linimentum Iodi. Liniment of Iodine. (Iodine, 
one ounce and a quarter ; iodide of potassium, half an ounce ; 
rectified spirit, five fluid ounces.) 

[Liquor Iodinii Compositus. Compound Solution of Iodine. 
Lugol's Solution of Iodine. Iodine, 360 grains ; iodide of potas- 
sium, 720 grains ; distilled water, a pint.] 

Tinctura Iodi. Tincture of Iodine. (Iodine, half an ouuce ; 
iodide of potassium, a quarter of an ounce ; rectified spirit, twenty 
fluid ounces.) 

[Tinctura Iodini. Tincture of Iodine. Iodine, a troy ounce ; 
alcohol, a pint. U. S.] 

[Tinctura Iodinii Composita. Compound Tincture of Iodine. 
Iodine, half a troy ounce ; iodide of potassium, a troy ounce ; 
alcohol, a pint. U. S.] 

Unguentum Iodi Compositum. Compound Ointment of Iodine. 
(Iodine, thirty- two grains ; iodide of potassium, thirty- two grains ; 
proof spirit, one fluid drachm ; prepared lard, two ounces.) 

[Unguentum Iodinii. Ointment of Iodine. Iodine, twenty 
grains ; iodide of potassium, four grains ; water, six minims ; lard, 
a troy ounce. U. S.] 

[Unguentum Iodinii Compositum. Compound Ointment of 
Iodine. Iodine, fifteen grains ; iodide of potassium, thirty grains ; 
water, thirty minims ; lard, a troy ounce. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. When applied externally, free iodine acts as an 
irritant, or vesicant, according to the mode of using it ; and when 
rubbed in for some time, it is absorbed, and influences the neigh- 
bouring parts, and also the system at large : when the diluted 
vapour is inhaled, it acts topically on the mucous membranes of 
the respiratory passages. Internally, free iodine produces irrita- 
tion of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, causing, in 
large doses, heat and pain at the epigastrium, and vomiting ; and, 
when the full influence of iodine upon the system is desirable, the 
drug is usually given in combination, more especially as iodide of 
potassium, which produces but little local irritation. Iodine is 
rapidly absorbed into the blood, and can be detected in many of 
the fluids soon after administration, especially in the urine ; the 



IODINE. 21 

constitutional effects produced are increased activity of most of 
the secreting and excreting organs, as the kidneys, mucous mem- 
branes, and skin ; it also powerfully influences the glandular and 
absorbent systems, as seen when such parts are enlarged, as in 
bronchocele, and in scrofulous glands of the neck and abdomen. 
It is stated occasionally to cause the wasting of even healthy 
glands, as the breasts and testes ; it has a powerful alterative 
action, as exhibited in its influence over scrofulous affections and 
secondary syphilitic disease. When given in large medicinal 
doses, the mucous membrane of the nose, frontal sinus, eyes, 
pharynx, &c, often become irritated, and catarrhal symptoms^ 
coryza, &c, are induced ; occasionally much depression ensues 
from its administration, accompanied by a low febrile state of 
system. 

Iodine or iodide of potassium is administered in very many 
diseases, as the different forms of scrofula, in bronchocele and other 
glandular enlargements, in hypertrophy and induration, of organs 
or other structures, produced by inflammation, as in hypertrophy 
of the spleen, liver, or uterus, in nodes, &c. ; in chronic skin affec- 
tions, syphilitic or not ; for the relief of other secondary or ter- 
tiary symptoms, and also in chronic rheumatism ; in dropsies as a 
diuretic ; in some forms of amenorrhcea, as an emmenagogue ; and in 
various obstinate mucous discharges, as leucorrhcea, as an alterative. 

Externally iodine is used in chronic skin diseases and over en- 
larged and indurated parts and diseased joints, to alter action or 
cause absorption ; for this purpose it may be applied in the form 
of the liniment, tincture, or ointment. As a speedy vesicant, the 
liniment may be painted over the part two or three times ; one 
application, however, is often sufficient. A few drops of the tinc- 
ture, put into half a pint of hot water, may be used as an inhala- 
tion in some forms of chronic bronchitis and phthisis. 

Dose. Of iodine (free) J gr., gradually increased ; of tinct. iodi., 
5 to 20 minims ; of iodide of potassium, vide Potassii Iodidum. 
[The compound tincture of iodine, U. S., maybe given in doses of 
from 10 to 30 drops, largely diluted, and repeated two or three 
times a day. The compound solution, 5 to 15 minims in water 
three times a day.] 

Adulteration. Water is often present, also iodide of cyanogen ; 



22 MATEEIA MEDIO A. 

besides these, fixed impurities, as plumbago, black oxide of man- 
ganese, charcoal, iron, &c. The first two are volatile ; water can 
be detected by finding whether bibulous paper is moistened by the 
iodine ; iodide of cyanogen by distilling at a very low tempera- 
ture, when this body sublimes, if present, in white crystalline 
needles before the iodine ; the fixed impurities are left after sub- 
limation. The Pharmacopoeia gives the following quantitative test : 
12*7 grains, dissolved in an ounce of water containing 15 grains 
of iodide of potassium, require for complete decoloration 100 
measures of the volumetric solution of hyposulphite of soda. In 
this process, iodide of sodium (Na I), which is colourless, and also 
tetrathionate of soda (Na 0, S 4 5 ), are formed. The following 
formula will serve to illustrate the changes which ensue, 2 (Na 0, 
S 2 2 ) + I=Na I, + Na 0, S 4 5 ; the amount of iodine can thus 
be estimated, 100 measures of the volumetric solution correspond- 
ing to 12*7 grains of iodine. 

Sulphuris Iodidum. Iodide of Sulphur. (Not officinal.) 
[Officinal. U.S.] 

Prep. (Sulphur, one ounce ; iodine, four ounces. Put the sul- 
phur in a glass vessel, and place on it the iodine ; hold the vessel 
immersed in boiling water until they have united ; afterwards, 
when cool, the vessel being broken, break the iodide into frag- 
ments, and keep in a well-stoppered vessel.) 

Prop. & Comp. A bluish black crystalline metallic-looking sub- 
stance, not unlike sulphuret of antimony in appearance, having the 
odour of iodine, it stains the skin yellow, is decomposed by boil- 
ing in water, and, if properly prepared, should give, when so 
boiled, 20 per cent, residue of sulphur. Composition (IS 2 ) or a 
bisulphuret of iodine. 

Therapeutics. Applied externally in the form of an ointment of 
the strength of about thirty grains of the salt to an ounce of lard, 
it acts in a manner very similar to iodine, and has been employed 
in some obstinate chronic skin diseases, as lepra, porrigo, acne 
indurata, &c. Internally it possesses no particular value, but has 
been given as an alterative. 

Pose. Half gr. to 3 gr. or more. 

BROMINE. 

(Br. Eq. = 80.) 
Bromine, Appendix A. [Bkominium. U. S.] (so named from 



CHLOBINE. 23 

fipcofiog, a stench). An elementary body contained in combination 
with metals in sea water, sea plants, &c. 

Prep. From bittern, the liquor left from sea water, after the 
crystallization of common salt ; it is present as bromide of mag- 
nesium, and can be obtained by passing a current of chlorine gas 
through the liquor, which unites with the magnesium, and liberates 
the bromine ; this is often taken up by shaking with ether, which 
dissolves the bromine, and rises with it to the surface. Subse- 
quent purification is required, usually effected by converting the 
bromine into bromide of potassium, and again liberating the 
bromine by means of bin-oxide of manganese and sulphuric acid. 

Prop. & Com]). A dark brownish-red liquid by reflected, but 
hyacinth-red by transmitted light through thin layers ; of an 
intensely disagreeable acrid odour and taste, very volatile, and 
fumes when exposed to the air ; sp. gr. 2*966 ; soluble in ether, 
alcohol, and slightly in water ; soluble in alkaline solutions, form- 
ing salts ; precipitates starch of an orange colour. 

Therapeutics. Bromine is never administered in its free state, 
most commonly as bromide of potassium, occasionally as bromide 
of ammonium and of iron ; the effects of these salts are described 
under the head of their bases. 

Adulteration. Bromine sometimes contains iodine. Agitated 
with a solution of soda, in such proportion that the fluid remains 
very slightly alkaline, it forms a colourless liquid, which, if col- 
oured by the addition of a small quantity of chlorine, should not 
become blue on the subsequent addition of starch. 

CHLORINE. 

(Cl. Eq. = 35-5.) 

Free chlorine occurs in the form of a greenish-coloured gas, hav- 
ing a peculiar acrid odour, very soluble in water, especially when 
cold ; it possesses intense chemical powers, bleaches all vegetable 
colours, and acts as a powerful disinfectant, probably by decom- 
posing the organic particles producing diseases. For this purpose 
it can be evolved from chlorated lime by the addition of some 
acid, or more economically by the following method : — Mix one 
part of common salt and one part of bin-oxide of manganese inti- 
mately together, and add to these (put into a shallow dish) two 



24 MATERIA MEDIO A. 

parts by weight of oil of vitriol previously diluted with two parts 
of water ; such a mixture will continue to give off chlorine for 
some days. 

Liquor Chlori. Solution of Chlorine. 

Prep. (Hydrochloric acid, six fluid ounces ; black oxide of 
manganese, in fine powder, one ounce ; distilled water, thirty-four 
fluid ounces. Mix the acid and oxide in a retort, then pass the 
chlorine through an intermediate small phial, containing three 
ounces of water, to the bottom of a three pint bottle containing 
the remainder of the water, until it has almost ceased to be given 
off.) In this process the decompositions which take place are rep- 
resented in the formula (2 H Cl-f-Mn 8 =Mn CI + 2 HO + CI). 

Prop. & Comp. This is a solution of chlorine gas dissolved in 
half its volume of water, and constituting 0*006 of the weight of 
the solution. It is a liquid, having a slight green colour, with a 
very strong odour of chlorine, and immediately discharging the 
colour of a dilute solution of sulphate of indigo ; when exposed to 
the light it is decomposed, with the formation of hydrochloric acid 
and oxygen, and hence should be used recently prepared. 

Therapeutics. Its action as a remedy resembles that of the 
Liquor Sodae Chloratas, and it may be used, when diluted about 
seven times with water, as a gargle or lotion ; or, still more dilute, 
it may be given as an internal remedy in low or typhoid states of 
the system, as malignant scarlatina, &c. 

Tests. Sp. gr. 1'003, leaves no residue on evaporation. When 
20 grains of iodide of potassium, dissolved in an ounce of distilled 
water, are added to a fluid ounce of this preparation, the mixed 
solution acquires a deep red colour (from the liberation of iodine), 
which requires for its discharge 75 measures of the volumetric 
solution of hyposulphite of soda, equivalent to 2*67 grains of 
chlorine. 

Dose. 10 min. to 30 min. freely diluted. 

WATER. 
Aqua. Water. 

Natural water (HO), the purest that can be obtained, cleared if 
necessary by filtration ; free from odour, taste, and visible impu- 
rity. If pure it leaves no residue when evaporated, but it is very 



MINERAL WATEES. 25 

difficult to ensure absolute purity, on account of traces of foreign 
matter that are liable to be introduced from the still. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Destillata. Distilled Water. 

Prep. Made by distilling water in a still, rejecting the first 
portion. 

Prop. & Comp. A limpid colourless fluid, devoid of taste and 
smell, not altered by the addition of lime-water, chloride of barium, 
nitrate of silver, oxalate of ammonia, or sulphuretted hydrogen, 
indicating freedom from carbonic acid or carbonates, sulphates, 
chlorides, and most organic matter, lime and ordinary metallic im- 
purities, as copper, lead, &c. Composition (HO). 

Use. It is ordered to be used in making almost all pharma- 
ceutical preparations, but common water is frequently substituted ; 
in some cases this neglect is important, as insoluble and inert 
compounds are formed, and the solvent power of distilled water 
for some substances exceeds that of common water. 

MINERAL WATERS. 

All water found on the earth's surface contains more or less 
foreign matter. The purest is melted snow or rain water, col- 
lected at a distance from towns. The most common impurities are 
salts of lime, as the sulphate, and the carbonate held in solution 
by an excess of carbonic acid. Besides these, water always con- 
tains a certain amount of gases dissolved in it, as common air, or 
rather air rich in oxygen and carbonic acid. The nature of the 
saline impurities varies much with the kind of soil through which 
the water flows ; for some substances, as silex, are almost insoluble, 
whereas limestone and gypsum dissolve to a considerable amount, 
the former especially, when the water is impregnated with carbonic 
acid. When these foreign matters exist in the water to an extent 
sufficient to impart a sensible taste, it is called a mineral water : 
these have been divided into four classes, depending on their 
chemical composition. 

The following are the most important : — 

Class 1. — Chalybeate or Ferruginous Waters. 
These waters owe their efficacy to the iron contained in them ; 
in many waters traces of iron exist, but such only are named chaly- 
beate as possess sufficient of this metal to endow them with decided 



26 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

medicinal powers. In some springs, the iron exists in the form of 
carbonate held in suspension by excess of carbonic acid ; when 
such are exposed to the air, peroxide of iron is soon formed and 
deposited : others contain sulphate of iron, often associated with 
sulphate of alumina, sometimes with chloride of iron. 

The most important chalybeate waters, in which carbonate of 
iron is found, are those of Pyrmont, Spa, Schwalbach, Tunbridge 
Wells, and Harrowgate. 

Iron exists as a sulphate in the waters of Sand Rock Isle of 
Wight, Brighton, &c. 

Therapeutics. Chalybeate waters are useful in ansemic condi- 
tions of the system ; those containing the carbonate of iron are 
generally preferred, agreeing better with the stomach, and being 
less astringent. Individuals of plethoric habits should avoid 
chalybeate waters. 

Class 2. — Acidulous or Carbonated Waters. 

These waters contain a large amount of carbonic acid, which 
gives them their acidity, and causes them to sparkle ; they usually 
hold in solution carbonates of lime, soda, and magnesia, which 
often become deposited on exposure from the escape of the carbonic 
acid, which acted as the solvent. The most celebrated of these 
waters are those of Carlsbad, Seltzer, and Ilkestone, near Not- 
tingham. 

Therapeutics. These waters are useful in atonic forms -of dys- 
pepsia, the free carbonic acid improving the tone of the stomach ; 
they also, from the alkaline salts they possess, act as alteratives, 
increasing the secretion of the kidneys and skin, and are often 
valuable in chronic visceral diseases, gout, rheumatism, and some 
calcareous affections. 

Class 3. — Saline Waters. 

These waters contain various salts, as sulphates of soda, mag- 
nesia, and lime ; chlorides of sodium, calcium, and magnesium ; 
carbonates of lime and soda, &c. Hence they may be subdivided : 

Some, containing chiefly sulphates of magnesia and soda, are 
named purging saline waters, as those of Cheltenham, Leamington, 
Epsom, Seidlitz, and Piillna. 

Some, having carbonate and sulphate of lime for their principal 



ACIDUM ACETICTTM. 27 

ingredients, are called calcareous waters, as those of Buxton, Bath, 
and Bristol. 

Others contain chiefly chlorides, with, now and then, traces of 
iodine and bromine, called salt waters, as those of Wiesbaden, 
Baden-Baden, and Kreutznach. Sea water also belongs to this 
division. 

Lastly, some saline waters are noted for the amount of alkaline 
carbonates they contain, these are termed alkaline waters, as those 
of Vichy and Ems, &c. 

Therapeutics. The purging waters are indicated in cases where 
congestion of the portal system is present, whether from organic 
visceral disease or not ; the calcareous waters in chronic gout and 
rheumatism, and some skin affections : they act as powerful stimu- 
lants and alteratives, increasing the urinary and cutaneous excre- 
tions ; the simple saline waters are more adapted for scrofulous 
affections, as glandular enlargements, &c. ; and the alkaline waters 
in gout, and urinary diseases connected with excessive formation 
of uric acid, as they tend to induce a less acid condition of urine. 

Class 4. — Sulphuretted or Hepatic Waters. 

All contain sulphuretted hydrogen in solution, and are readily 
known by their odour ; the most celebrated are those of Harrow- 
gate, Moffat, Cheltenham, Aix-la-Chapelle, Borcet, and Aix, in 
Savoy : some contain an alkaline sulphuret as well as sulphuretted 
hydrogen. 

Therapeutics. These waters act as stimulants, especially on the 
skin and uterine system, and are used chiefly in chronic skin 
diseases, certain cases of chronic rheumatism, and uterine affec- 
tions, &c. 

ACIDS. 

ACIDS EMPLOYED IN MEDICINE OR FOR TESTS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY. 

Acidum Aceticum. Acetic Acid. An acid liquid, prepared 
from wood by destructive distillation, and containing 28 per 
cent, of anhydrous acetic acid. 

Prep. When wood is heated in close vessels, as in iron retorts, 
amongst the volatile products of its destruction, a large amount of 
acetic acid distils over, mixed with wood spirit and various hydro- 
carbons ; from this fluid, after redistillation, and neutralization 



28 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

with carbonate of soda, acetate of soda is separated by crystalliza- 
tion, and purified by several re-crystallizations ; this salt heated 
with sulphuric acid and water yields acetic acid mixed with water, 
and forms the product under consideration. 

Prop. & Oomp. A colourless liquid with a very pungent odour 
and strong acid taste, sp. gr. 1*044 [1*047. U. S.], contains 28 per 
cent, of anhydrous acetic acid (C 4 H 3 3 ) ; is volatile, and leaves no 
residue when evaporated.^ One fluid drachm requires for neutral- 
ization 31*5 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It gives 
no precipitate with chloride of barium or nitrate of silver, has no 
action on strips of metallic silver, and when neutralized with am- 
monia is not precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen, ammonia, or 
ferrocyanide of potassium ; these various tests indicating a freedom 
from sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acids, and metallic impuri- 
ties, especially copper : it does not give rise to a blue colour when 
added gradually to an equal volume of the solution of iodate of 
potash, previously mixed with a little mucilage of starch. This 
shows the absence of sulphurous acid, which, if present, would set 
free iodine by deoxidizing the iodate, and the blue iodide of starch 
would be formed. 

Of. Prep. Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. Dilute Acetic Acid. 
(Acetic acid, twenty fluid ounces ; distilled water, one hundred 
and forty fluid ounces.) 

The sp. gr. is 1*006. One fluid ounce requires for neutraliza- 
tion thirty-one measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It 
contains 3J per cent, of anhydrous acetic acid. 

Oxymel. Oxymel. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Clarified honey, 
forty ounces ; acetic acid, five fluid ounces ; distilled water, five 
fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. When freely diluted, acetic acid, given inter- 
nally, acts as a refrigerant, but is seldom employed for this pur- 
pose. Externally, in its strong form, it is used as a rubefacient ; 
sometimes as a vesicant and escharotic ; but the glacial acid is 
more effective for such purposes * much diluted, it may be used to 
sponge the surface in fevers, also in cooling lotions. Acetic acid is 
more frequently employed on account of its solvent powers, than for 
any therapeutic value it may possess, as in Linimentum Cantharidis. 

Dose. Of acidum aceticum dilutum, 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drra. 
diluted still more. Of oxymel 1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz. 



ACETTTM. 29 

Adulteration. Foreign acids and metallic impurities, as copper, 
detected by the above tests. 

Acidum Aceticum Glaciale. Glacial Acetic Acid. [Not offi- 
cinal in IT. S. P.] 

Synonym. Acidum Aceticum. Edin. Monohydrated Acetic Acid. 

Prep. This is prepared by distilling acetate of soda, from 
which the water has been expelled by heat, with sulphuric acid, 
by which means sulphate of soda is formed, and acetic acid distils 
over. If the product contains any sulphurous acid, when tried by 
the iodate of potash and starch test mentioned above, it is shaken 
with black oxide of manganese and redistilled. Any sulphurous 
acid is thus converted into sulphuric acid, and remains in com- 
bination with the manganese. 

Prop. <& Comp. A colourless liquid, converted when cooled to 
nearly 32° into colourless prismatic crystals. Composition HO, 
C 4 H 3 3 , or an acetate of water. Sp. gr. 1*065, which is in- 
creased by adding 10 per cent, of water. Dilution increases the 
density of acetic acid until nearly one-third of its weight of water 
has been added, when it contains HO, C 4 H 3 3 4- 2 Aq. On 
further dilution, the density diminishes in the usual manner. In 
consequence of this anomaly, the density alone cannot be relied 
on as a test for the strength of acetic acid, as between 1*063 and 
1*077 the same density may indicate two very different strengths ; 
monohydrated acetic acid and the same acid diluted with an equal 
weight of water having both the sp. gr. 1*063. A fluid drachm 
of glacial acetic acid requires for neutralization 97 measures of 
the volumetric solution of soda. The absence of sulphurous acid 
is indicated by the iodate of potash and starch test. 

Off. Prep. It is used in the preparation of Mistura Creasoti. 

Therapeutics. Glacial acetic acid acts as a caustic irritant, 
vesicant, and escharotic. It is chiefly used as an external applica- 
tion ; but diluted with water may be used for the same purposes 
as dilute acetic acid. 

Acetum. Vinegar (French). Impure dilute acetic acid, prepared 
from French wines by the acetous fermentation. [Prepared by 
fermentation. U. S.] 
Prep. The alcohol contained in the wine, under certain condi- 
tions, absorbs oxygen, and is converted into acetic acid, which is 



30 MATERIA MEDICA. 

contained in the vinegar. The change is thus shown : alcohol (C 4 
H 6 2 ) + 4 = acetic acid (HO, C 4 H 3 3 ) + 2 HO. 

Prop. <& Comp. A liquid of a straw colour, having an agree- 
able acid odour and taste ; sp. gr. from 1*008 to 1*022. It is a 
little stronger than British vinegar, about one-sixth, and when 
ammonia is added in excess to it, some turbidity is usually pro- 
duced, and a purple colour, due to the development of the colour- 
ing matter of the wine. British vinegar, which was formerly 
officinal, contains about 5 per cent, of real acid, together with 
colouring matter, mucilage, and a small amount, n \ ? part by 
weight, allowed by law, of sulphuric acid. 

Therapeutics. The action of vinegar is the same as that of 
dilute acetic acid of equal strength. 

Dose. Of acetum 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. diluted. 

Adulteration. Sulphuric acid may be added to vinegar, and 
metallic impurities may be present from the vessel in which it is 
kept. It should be scarcely affected by chloride of barium, or 
oxalate of ammonia, and not at all by sulphuretted hydrogen. 

Acidum Arseniosum. Yicle Preparations of Arsenic. 
Boracic Acid. Appendix B. 

Prop. <& Comp. It occurs in pearly scales, is efflorescent, and 
fuses at a red heat. It is sparingly soluble in cold, but is soluble in 
three times its weight of boiling water. Soluble in alcohol, the 
solution burning with a green flame. The composition is B0 3 + 3 
HO. The element boron resembles carbon in many of its proper- 
ties, and has an equivalent of 10*9, and is represented by the 
symbol B. 

Use. Boracic acid is used for making a solution for qualitative 
analysis, it is not given as a medicine, except in the form of borax, 
or biborate of soda. 

Acidum Benzoicum. Vide Gum Benzoin. 

Acidum Carbonicum. (Not officinal.) Carbonic Acid. (Solu- 
tion in water.) Aerated water. 

Prep. By acting upon carbonate of lime, as chalk, marble, 
&c, with dilute sulphuric acid, and passing the gas through water 
under pressure. 

Prop. <& Comp. Carbonic acid (C0 2 ) is a colourless gas, heav- 



ACEDUM CITKICTJM. 31 

ier than air, soluble in its own volume of water ; the solubility 
much increased by pressure. The solution is acid in re-action, 
sparkling when exposed to air from the escape of the gas. Water 
containing this acid has the power of holding in solution carbon- 
ates of magnesia, lime, iron, &c. 

Therapeutics. The gas, when existing in quantities above a 
very small amount in the air, acts as a narcotic poison, causing 
asphyxia ; and directed in a stream upon a painful ulcerated sur- 
face, is stated to allay the pain. When taken in the stomach, 
aerated water diminishes irritability if present, and hence allays 
sickness ; and carbonic acid is often given in the form of efferves- 
cing medicines made with an acid and bicarbonate of an alkali. 
The water may also be usefully employed in dissolving saline reme- 
dies, as phosphates, carbonates of potash, soda, and lithia, &c, 
when it is desirable to continue their use for a lengthened period. 

Much of such water is now prepared in the Gasogene apparatus, 
of English and French construction. 

Acidum Citricum. Citric Acid. An acid obtained from lemon 
juice, or the juice of the fruit of Citrus Limetta, the Lime. 

Prep. From the juice of lemons, limes, and other allied species, 
by first fermenting the juice with yeast, in order to get rid of the 
sugar, and then neutralizing the acid with chalk, to form a citrate 
of lime, purifying this and liberating the citric acid by means of 
sulphuric acid. 

Prop. & Comp. Large transparent colourless crystals, right 
rhombic prisms, of an agreeable acid taste, decomposed by heat, 
soluble in water and spirit : the precipitate formed with acetate 
of lead is soluble in nitric acid. Citric acid does not render lime- 
water turbid (citrate of lime is, however, a sparingly soluble salt), 
and causes no precipitate with any salts of potash except the tar- 
trate, from which it throws down the acid or bitartrate. Com- 
position of the crystallized salt (3 HO, C 12 H 5 O u + HO) or (3 HO, 
Ci-f HO). Citric acid being regarded as tribasic, 3 equivalents 
of the water act the part of base. 67 grains of the crystals dis- 
solved in water are neutralized by 100 measures of the volumetric 
solution of soda. It leaves no ash when burned with free access 
of air. The aqueous solution is not darkened by sulphuretted 



32 MATERIA MEDICA. 

hydrogen, nor precipitated by chloride of barium, showing the 
absence of metallic impurities and sulphates. 

Therapeutics. Citric acid given internally appears to act as a 
refrigerant, that is, in some way or other to diminish the preter- 
natural temperature of the body in febrile states of the system ; 
it also allays thirst and irritation of the skin. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water and sweet- 
ened. 

Adulteration. Traces of sulphuric acid may be present, also 
tartaric, both detected by the tests and characters given above. 

Acidum Hydrochioricum. Hydrochloric Acid. Hydrochloric 
acid gas dissolved in water. [Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic 
Acid. An aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid gas of 1*160 
sp.gr. U.S.] 

Synonym. Acidum Muriaticum Purum. Edin. Duo. 

Prep. By the action of sulphuric acid and water on chloride 
of sodium (common salt) in a glass retort, sulphate of soda and 
hydrochloric acid are formed ; the latter distils over, and is col- 
lected in a receiver containing water, which absorbs the gas rapidly. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, with a suffo- 
cating odour, and very sour taste, giving off white acrid fumes 
when exposed to air ; sp. gr. 1*17 ; entirely dissipated by heat ; 
it consists of hydrochloric acid (H CI) dissolved in water. It 
gives with nitrate of silver a curdy white precipitate (chloride of 
silver), soluble in excess of ammonia, but not in nitric acid. 

Hydrochloric acid has no action on gold leaf, even when boiled 
with it ; this is shown by the acid, after digestion on the metal, 
not giving any precipitate with protochloride of tin ; nor does 
the acid decolorize a solution of sulphate of indigo, indicating 
the absence of free chlorine. When diluted with 4 volumes of 
distilled water it gives no precipitate with chloride of barium or 
sulphuretted hydrogen, and does not tarnish bright copper foil 
when boiled with it, proving the absence of sulphates, and earthy 
or metallic matter ; 1 fluid drachm requires for neutralization 
60*25 measures of the volumetric solution of soda, corresponding 
to about 22 grains of real acid (li CI). 

Off. Prep. Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Dilute Hy- 



ACIDUM HYDKOCYANICUM. 33 

drochloric Acid. (Hydrochloric acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled 
water, eight fluid ounces.) 

[Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum. Muriatic acid, four troy- 
ounces ; distilled water to make the diluted acid measure a pint. 
The sp. gr. is 1-038. U. S.] 

Its sp. gr. is T05 ; six fluid drachms require for neutralization 
ninety-nine measures of the volumetric solution of soda, equivalent 
to about thirty-six grains of real acid. 

Acidum Nitro-Hydrochloricum Dilutum. See Officinal Pre- 
parations of Acidum Nitricum. 

Tlierapeuties. Externally it acts as a powerful caustic, and 
acrid poison. Internally, in a dilute form, as a refrigerant, tonic, 
and astringent. It is given in some forms of atonic dyspepsia, in 
low states of the system, as in the petechial form of exanthema- 
tous diseases. It is also used as a gargle in ulceration of the 
throat, and in diphtheria. 

Dose. Of acidum hydrochloricum dilutum, 10 min. to 30 min. 
diluted freely. 

Adulteration. Sulphuric acid, chlorine, and iron, for which the 
tests are given. The commercial acid is generally coloured from 
the presence of the latter impurities. 

Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. Dilute Hydrocyanic 
Acid, or Prussic Acid. Hydrocyanic acid dissolved in water, 
and constituting 2 per cent, of the solution. 

This acid contains rather more than half as much anhydrous 
acid as Acidum Hydrocyanicum. Edin. 

Prep. (Ferrocyanide of potassium, two ounces and a quarter ; 
sulphuric acid, seven fluid drachms ; distilled water, thirty fluid 
ounces, or a sufficiency. Mix the acid with four fluid ounces of 
the water, and to these, placed in a retort, when they have cooled, 
add the ferrocyanide of potassium, first dissolved in half-a-pint of 
the water. Put them into a retort, and adapt this to a receiver, 
containing eight ounces of the water, which must be kept carefully 
cold. Distil with a gentle heat till the fluid in the receiver meas- 
ures seventeen ounces ; lastly, add three ounces or as much water 
as may be necessary to bring the acid to the required strength.) 
The changes occurring in this process are rather complex, but in 
4 



34 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

substance may be shown as follows : Ferrocyanide of potassium is 
a double cyanide of potassium and iron (2 K Cy + Fe Cy + 3 HO) ; 
when acted upon by sulphuric acid and water, a portion of the 
cyanide of potassium of the salt is decomposed into hydrocyanic 
acid and sulphate of potash, and a salt containing two equivalents 
of cyanide of iron to one of cyanide of potassium, is left in the 
retort, called Everitt's yellow salt ; the formula for the decomposi- 
tion is as follows : 

(K 4 Cy 4 -f Fe 2 Cy 2 ) + 3 (HO, S0 3 )=(Fe 2 Cy 2 + KCy) + 3 (KO, 

S0 3 ) + 3H Cy. 

Anhydrous prussic acid can be prepared by passing sulphuretted 
hydrogen (hydrosulphuric acid) over cyanide of mercury : a sul- 
phuret of the metal and hydrocyanic acid are then formed. Hy- 
drocyanic acid is also produced when amygdaline, a principle 
contained in the bitter almond and the kernels of allied fruits, is 
decomposed by the action of the albuminous principle contained 
in such fruit ; vide Amygdala Amara. 

Prop, d: Gomp. The dilute acid, prepared as above, is a colour- 
less liquid of peculiar odour and taste, entirely volatilized by heat, 
with a very slight re-action, and the reddening produced on 
litmus paper fugitive in character. Sp. gr. 0*997. It contains 
2 per cent, of real or anhydrous acid (H, Cy). Treated with a 
minute quantity of a mixed solution of sulphate and persulphate 
of iron, and afterwards with potash, and finally acidulated with 
hydrochloric acid, it forms Prussian blue. With nitrate of silver 
it gives a white precipitate, entirely soluble in boiling nitric acid. 
Half a fluid ounce of the acid, when treated with an excess of 
solution of soda, requires the addition of 80*66 measures of the 
volumetric solution of nitrate of silver before a permanent pre- 
cipitate begins to form, which corresponds to 2 per cent, of anhy- 
drous acid. The explanation of this test is as follows : When 
nitrate of silver is added to a solution of hydrocyanic acid with 
excess of soda, a double cyanide of silver and sodium is formed, 
which is soluble, and is dissolved when the solution is well stirred ; 
this salt is formed until all the hydrocyanic acid present is 
exhausted, and then the further addition of nitrate of silver 
causes the precipitation of the oxide of silver, which is insoluble. 
As the double cyanide has a definite composition, by knowing the 



ACIDUM HYDEOCYANICUM DILUTUM. 35 

amount of nitrate of silver required to produce a permanent pre- 
cipitate, we can calculate the amount of hydrocyanic acid present 
in the fluid. The decomposition may be illustrated by the formula, 
Ag 0, N0 5 + 2 Na Cy=Na 0, N0 5 + Na Cy, Ag Cy. 17 grains 
of nitrate of silver, or 100 measures of the volumetric solution, 
representing 5*4 grains of absolute hydrocyanic acid. 

The dilute acid, when pure, is not coloured by sulphuretted 
hydrogen or precipitated by chloride of barium, showing the 
absence of metallic taint or sulphuric acid, and no red colour is 
produced on the addition of the iodo-cyanide of potassium and 
mercury, showing the absence of any foreign acid. 

The acid known under the name of Scheele's prussic acid con- 
tains 4 per cent, of anhydrous acid. 

The anhydrous acid is colourless, with a more intense odour 
than the dilute, sp. gr. 0'697, very volatile, and rapidly decom- 
posed into a carbonaceous-looking matter. The dilute acid can 
be much longer preserved when a little mineral acid is present, as 
a trace of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. 

Therapeutics. Anhydrous prussic acid is one of the most 
intense aud rapid of poisons, acting as a direct sedative, appa- 
rently from arresting the functions of the whole body ; its effects 
are the same whether taken into the stomach or applied to other 
mucous membranes, as to the eye, or inhaled as vapour. 

When much diluted, and in medicinal doses, it allays pain and 
spasm, and if the dose be large, induces giddiness, etc. It is 
given in painful affections of the stomach and intestines, as in 
gastrodynia, enterodynia, pyrosis, and vomiting ; also in chest 
affections, as pertussis, asthma, and other cases where the charac- 
ter of the cough is nervous ; occasionally it is used to allay palpi- 
tation of the heart, especially when connected with dyspepsia, 
and it has been prescribed in epilepsy, chorea, and other diseases 
of the nervous system. 

Externally applied it allays irritation of the skin, and when 
freely diluted may be used in the form of lotion in cutaneous 
affections accompanied with much itching : great care should be 
taken that the skin is not abraded. 

Dose. Of the acidum hydrocyanicum dilutum 2 min. to 10 
min. Schecle's acid is twice the strength, and it is very desirable 



36 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

that it should not be employed in medicine. Aqua Lauro-Cerasi, 
or cherry-laurel water, which owes its activity to hydrocyanic 
acid, is described under Lauro-Cerasus. 

Externally, in the form of lotion, 1 fl. drm. or more may be 
added to 10 oz. of water, lead lotion, or almond emulsion. 

Incompatibles. It is often prescribed with alkalies, as liquor 
potassse, etc. ; then a cyanide of the metal is formed, which acts 
in the same manner as the acid ; but if a salt of iron be also 
present, yellow prussiate or ferrocyanide of potassium is produced 
— a salt possessing none of the properties of prussic acid. 

Sulphuretted Hydrogen. (Appendix.) Hydro-Sulphuric Acid 
(freshly prepared). 

Prep. By treating sulphuret of iron with dilute sulphuric 
acid, and passing the gas which is evolved into cold distilled 
water. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, having the odour of rotten 
eggs ; gradually decomposing, especially when exposed to air and 
light, with the deposition of sulphur. It is a watery solution of 
hydrosulphuric acid, or sulphuretted hydrogen (HS). 

Uses. Used only as a test. It possesses the property of throw- 
ing down most of the ordinary metals from acid solutions : the 
precipitate with arsenic is yellow ; with antimony, orange ; with 
cadmium, yellow ; with mercury, lead, copper, and silver, black ; 
with bismuth and gold, brownish-black, etc. Zinc is precipitated 
white, from a slightly alkaline solution. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen is a constituent of some mineral waters. 
When the gas is inhaled undiluted, it acts as a poisonous sedative. 

Acidum Nitricum. Nitric Acid ; Aqua fortis. 

Prep. By the action of sulphuric acid in excess upon nitrate 
of potash in a glass retort, when nitric acid and bisulphate of 
potash are formed ; the former, being volatile, distils over. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, with a 
strongly acrid odour, and intensely acid taste ; sp. gr. 1*50 ; 
[1-420, U. S.] it fumes in the air, and entirely volatilizes with heat. 
Composition (3 HO, 2 N0 5 ). When diluted with three times its 
volume of water and poured upon copper it gives off a colourless 
gas, which, upon contact with air, becomes an orange vapour, and 



ACIDUM NITEICUM. 37 

when conducted into a solution of sulphate of iron, communicates 
to it a dark colour. When diluted with six parts of water, it 
gives no precipitate, either with nitrate of silver, or chloride of 
barium. One fluid drachm of the acid requires for neutralization 
121*5 measures of the volumetric solution of soda, indicating that 
not more than 1^ equivalent of water is present. 

Off. Prep. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. Dilute Nitric Acid. 
(Nitric acid, two fluid ounces ; distilled water, thirteen fluid 
ounces.) [Nitric acid, three troy ounces ; distilled sufficient to 
make the diluted acid measure a pint ; sp. gr. 1*068. U. S.] 

Colourless ; sp. gr. 1*101. Six fluid drachms require for neu- 
tralization one hundred measures of the volumetric solution of 
soda, indicating the presence of fifty-four grains of anhydrous 
nitric acid (N0 5 ). 

Acidum Nitro-Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Dilute Nitro-Hy- 
drochloric Acid. Synonym. Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum. (Nitric 
acid, two fluid ounces ; hydrochloric acid, four fluid ounces ; dis- 
tilled water, twenty-six fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 1*074. Six fluid 
drachms require for neutralization 93*88 measures of the volumet- 
ric solution of soda. [Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum. Nitric acid, 
three troy ounces ; muriatic acid, five troy ounces. Acidum Nitro- 
Muriaticum Dilutum. Nitric acid, a troy ounce and a half • muri- 
atic acid, two troy ounces and a half ; distilled water sufficient to 
make the diluted acid measure a pint.] 

Therapeutics. Externally, as a caustic, strong nitric acid is 
employed as an application to phagedenic sores, and for the de- 
struction of warts, care being taken to protect the surrounding 
parts. In the diluted form, it has been used as an application to 
some ulcers, and diseases of the skin. Injected in a very dilute 
state into the bladder, it has proved effectual in the solution of 
phosphatic calculi. Internally it may be given as a refrigerant 
and tonic in cases similar to those for which sulphuric acid is 
administered, as in febrile diseases, and for preventing phosphatic 
deposits : it is also very useful in some forms of dyspepsia. But 
nitric acid seems to possess powers not connected with its acid 
properties, for in. certain scrofulous states of the system, and in 
syphilis, occurring in habits where mercury cannot be given, nitric 
acid often proves very serviceable. It is also given in some forms 
of cutaneous diseases. 



38 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Dilute nitro-hydrochloric acid has an action similar to that of a 
solution of chlorine, and is used as a tonic and stomachic in dys- 
pepsia ; also in phosphatic deposits in the urine. It is thought to 
have a considerable influence over the action of the liver, and to 
possess alterative powers. It is employed in chronic hepatitis, 
syphilitic cachexia, &c. Externally it is used as a foot-bath in 
the above-named diseases. 

Dose. Of the strong nitric acid, 1 min. to 3 min. ; of the dilute, 
10 min. to 30 min. freely diluted. 

Of dilute nitro-hydrochloric acid, 3 min. to 10 min. freely diluted. 
As a bath, 6 fl. oz. to each gallon of water (in a wooden vessel). 

Adulteration. Chiefly sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, de- 
tected by the baryta and silver tests above given. 

Acidum Phosphoricnm Dilutum. Dilute Phosphoric Acid. 
Phosphoric acid, dissolved in water. 

Prep. (Phosphorus, four hundred and thirteen grains ; nitric 
acid, four fluid ounces ; distilled water, twenty fluid ounces or a 
sufficiency. To the acid mixed with water, placed in a retort in 
a sand-bath, add the phosphorus ; then apply heat until five fluid 
ounces have distilled over ; put these again into the retort, and 
renew and continue the distillation until the phosphorus has en- 
tirely dissolved. Transfer the contents of the retort to a porcelain 
capsule, and evaporate the liquid, raising the heat a little towards 
the close of the process, until bubbles of orange vapour cease to 
form, and a colourless liquid of a syrupy consistence is obtained. 
Lastly, add to the acid, when it has cooled, as much distilled water 
as may be requisite to make it accurately measure a pint.) When 
nitric acid diluted with water acts with the aid of heat upon phos- 
phorus in a glass retort, the acid is decomposed into oxygen, 
which unites with the phosphorus to form phosphoric acid, and 
nitric oxide gas which escapes ; a portion of the nitric acid distils 
over, and is returned into the body of the retort ; the liquid which 
remains in the retort when all the phosphorus is dissolved, is then 
evaporated to a small quantity, in order to drive off any undecom- 
posed nitric acid, and the syrupy solution of phosphoric acid after- 
wards diluted to the proper strength. 

Prop. (& Oomp. As thus prepared, dilute phosphoric acid is a 
colourless liquid, without odour, of an agreeable acid taste ; sp. 



ACIDUM SULPHTJRICUM. 39 

gr. 1*08. It contains between nine and ten per cent, of tribasic 
phosphoric acid in solution in water. Formula of acid, 3 HO, 
P0 5 . It does not precipitate chloride of barium or nitrate of sil- 
ver, nor is it coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen either before or 
after strips of silver or copper have been digested in it, these tests 
show the absence of sulphuric acid, chlorides, metallic impurities, 
or nitric acid. With ammonio-nitrate of silver phosphoric acid 
gives a canary-yellow precipitate soluble in ammonia, and in dilute 
nitric acid. When evaporated it leaves a residue which melts at 
a low red heat, and upon cooling exhibits a glassy appearance. It 
is not precipitated by a solution of albumen, which shows that it is 
not the monobasic variety of the acid. When mixed with an equal 
volume of pure sulphuric acid and then introduced into the solu- 
tion of sulphate of iron, it does not communicate to it a dark 
colour, showing the absence of nitric acid. 

Six fluid drachms poured upon 180 grains of litharge in fine 
powder, leave after evaporation a residue, which heated to dull 
redness weighs 215*5 grains, indicating the presence of 34"5 grains 
of dry acid (P0 5 ). [Acidum Pliosphoricum Dilutum, U. S., pre- 
pared by a process identical in principle to that in the text, has a 
sp. gr. of 1"058. It is likewise directed to be prepared by dissolv- 
ing a troy ounce of glacial phosphoric acid in three fluid ounces 
of distilled water, adding 40 grs. of nitric acid, boiling until re- 
duced to a syrupy liquid, free from the odour of nitric acid, and 
then adding distilled water to make the diluted acid measure 12-J 
fluid ounces]. 

Therapeutics. Dilute phosphoric acid acts in a similar manner 
to dilute sulphuric acid, but is less powerfully astringent. It has 
been asserted to allay thirst in diabetes, and is supposed to exert 
an influence on the growth of osseous tumours. 

Dose. 10 min. to 30 mm. and upwards, freely diluted. 

Adulteration. Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and metallic 
impurities detected by the above tests. 

Acidum Sulphuricum, Sulphuric Acid; Monohydrated Sul- 
phuric Acid ; Oil of Vitriol. 

Prep. Made by burning sulphur with a little nitre in leaden 
chambers, the sulphurous acid fumes coming in contact with nitrous 
acid and watery vapour, cause the higher oxidation of the sulphur, 



40 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

and the formation of sulphuric acid ; if sulphur is burnt without 
nitre, sulphurous acid is produced. The sulphuric acid of com- 
merce, when ■ free from arsenic, is directed in the Pharmacopoeia 
to be purified by distilling it with a small quantity of sulphate of 
ammonia, by which means any nitrous acid is decomposed and got 
rid of. 

Prop. & Comp. Sulphuric acid is an oily-looking colourless 
liquid ; sp. gr. 1*846 ; [1*843. U. S.] having no odour, but an in- 
tensely burning acid taste, chars most vegetable substances and 
becomes darkened, absorbs water rapidly, and when mixed with it 
evolves great heat. Composition (HO, S0 3 ). An anhydrous acid 
(S0 3 ) can be made. Diluted with an equal measure of water it 
generally gives a slight white precipitate of sulphate of lead (de- 
rived from the leaden chambers), which is held in solution by the 
strong acid • when diluted with water it gives a copious precipi- 
tate with chloride of barium. Diluted with 12 parts of water, it 
should give no yellow precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen, 
indicating the absence of arsenic, &c. One fluid drachm requires 
for neutralization 206 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. 
It leaves no residue when evaporated in a platinum crucible. 
When a solution of sulphate of iron is poured upon oil of vitriol, 
no purple ring is formed at the surface of the two solutions ; this 
shows the absence of nitrous acid. 

Off. Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. Aromatic 
Sulphuric Acid. (Sulphuric acid, three fluid ounces • rectified 
spirit, a sufficiency to make forty fluid ounces ; cinnamon, in coarse 
powder, two ounces ; ginger, in coarse powder, one ounce and a 
quarter. Prepared by maceration and digestion.) Sp. gr. 0*935. 
Six fluid drachms require for neutralization 84*75 measures of the 
volumetric solution of soda. [U. S. Sulphuric acid, six troy 
ounces ; ginger, in coarse powder, a troy ounce ; cinnamon, in 
coarse powder, a troy ounce and a half ; alcohol, a sufficient quan- 
tity ; .add the acid gradually to a pint of alcohol and allow the 
liquid to cool ; mix the ginger and cinnamon, and, having put 
them into a percolator, pour alcohol gradually upon them until a 
pint of tincture is obtained ; lastly, mix the diluted acid and the 
tincture.] 

Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Dilute Sulphuric Acid. (Sul- 
phuric acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled water, thirty-five fluid 



ACIDUM SULPHUEICUM. 41 

ounces.) Sp.gr. 1*087. Six fluid drachms require for neutraliza- 
tion one hundred measures of the volumetric solution of soda. 
[Sulphuric acid, two troy ounces ; add to make a pint. sp. gr. 
1-082. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Externally the strong acid is a most powerful 
caustic, rapidly destroying all the tissues with which it comes in 
contact ; internally, when much diluted it acts as a refrigerant, 
tonic, and astringent. It is used to allay thirst in fever, especially 
when of a hectic character, to check excessive sweating in phthisis, 
to diminish passive mucous discharges, and haemorrhages, to im- 
prove digestion, and brace up the system in debility. Given for 
some time it increases the acidity of the urine, and may be em- 
ployed in phosphatic deposits. It has likewise been found ser- 
viceable in some chronic skin diseases connected with a low state 
of system, as in pompholyx diutinus, &c. Recently it has been 
much extolled for checking diarrhoea. Externally, oil of vitriol 
rubbed up with lard is sometimes used as an ointment in very 
obstinate skin diseases, as in porrigo. 

Dose. Of acidum sulphuricum dilutum, 5 min. to 25 min., freely 
diluted ; of acidum sulphuricum aromaticum, 5 min. to 30 min. 

Adulteration. Water, indicated by a lower specific gravity. 
Lead, detected on dilution ; arsenic, from the use of impure sul- 
phur in the manufacture ; and hydrochloric acid, from impurities 
in the nitre made use of, are sometimes present. Oil of vitriol 
often becomes much discoloured from a trace of organic matter, 
such as wood, cork, &c. 

The following tests are given in the British Pharmacopoeia for 
ascertaining the quality of /Sulphuric Acid of Commerce, con- 
tained in Appendix (A). Sp. gr. 1*84 to 1*85. When the acid 
mixed with six times its volume of distilled water is placed in 
contact with pure zinc, and the hydrogen evolved is ignited as it 
escapes from the capillary extremity of a glass tube, if a dark 
stain is formed on a piece of porcelain held low down on the flame, 
the acid contains arsenic, and is to be rejected. When a solution 
of sulphate of iron is poured cautiously on the surface of the undi- 
luted acid, if a red tint appears at the surface of contact, the acid 
contains nitrous acid ; and if the acid diluted with water as above 
becomes turbid, it contains other impurities, and in either case 
requires purification. 



42 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Acidum Sulphurosum. Sulphurous Acid. (Sulphurous acid 
gas, dissolved in water.) 

Prep, By distilling sulphuric acid with wood charcoal in coarse 
powder. 

Prop, dd Comp. Water takes up 33 times its bulk of the gas : 
when fully saturated the solution is colourless, with the suffocating 
odour of burning sulphur ; sulphurous acid is a powerful deoxidiz- 
ing agent, liberating iodine from iodic acid, decomposing sulphur- 
etted hydrogen, &c. Composition of sulphurous acid (S0 2 ). 

The solution gives no precipitate, or a very slight one, with 
chloride of barium, indicating that no sulphuric acid is present, 
but a copious one if solution of chlorine be also added (sulphate of 
baryta). Sp. gr. 1*04. [Sp. gr. 1*035. U. S.] One fluid drachm 
mixed with a little mucilage of starch does not acquire a perma- 
nent blue colour with the volumetric solution of iodine, until 164 
measures of the latter have been added, representing about 5£ 
grains of sulphurous acid. 

The formula representing the decomposition which ensues in the 
use of this volumetric test, is as follows : S0 2 -f- I + HO=S0 3 
4- HI ; therefore, no blue colour appears until more than an 
equivalent of iodine has been added to each equivalent of sul- 
phurous acid, or 3*2 grains of sulphurous acid require 12*7 grains 
of iodine, or 100 measures of its volumetrical solution ; which is 
in the same ratio as 5*25 to 164 measures. 

A solution of sulphurous acid when evaporated leaves no residue. 

Therapeutics. Sulphurous acid has a destructive influence on 
vegetable life, and upon this its therapeutic value, probably, for 
the most part depends. Externally applied, it causes irritation 
and redness, and has been used for the treatment of skin affec- 
tions, especially when connected with vegetation, as porrigo. It 
may be used in solution, more or less diluted, or applied as vapour 
from burning sulphur. 

Internally it is not often employed in the free state, the vapour 
being suffocating in character. 

See Sodas Sulphis, and Sodas Hyposulphis. 

Dose. A strong solution of the acid may be diluted with about 
an equal bulk of glycerine or some other liquid, and painted on 
the affected skin. 



ACIDUM TAETAEICUM. 43 

Acidum Tartaricum. Tartaric Acid. An acid obtained from 
the acid tartrate of potash. 

Prep. From the acid or bitartrate of potash (cream of tartar) 
by the addition of chalk, whereby an insoluble tartrate of lime is 
formed with half the acid in the bitartrate, and a neutral tartrate 
of potash left in solution ; the acid of which is afterwards like- 
wise formed into tartrate of lime by decomposition of the potash 
salt with chloride of calcium. Lastly, tartaric acid is separated 
from the purified tartrate of lime by decomposition with sulphuric 
acid. The formulas representing the decompositions which occur 
in the above process may be thus exhibited : 
1st part of process, — 

2 (HO, KO, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + 2 (Ca 0, C0 2 )=(2 Ca 0, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + 
(2K0, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + CO 2 + 2HO. 
2nd part of process, — 

(2 KO, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) +2 (Ca Cl)=(2 Ca 0,C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + 2 (K 01.) 
3d part of process, — 

2 (2 Ca 0, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + 4 (HO, S0 3 )=2 (2 HO, C 8 H 4 O 10 ) + 

4 (Ca 0, S0 3 ). 

Prop. <& Comp. Tartaric acid occurs in white transparent 
crystals, which are oblique rhombic prisms, with a sour but agree- 
able taste, decomposed entirely by heat, soluble in water and in 
rectified spirit, the solution precipitating bitartrate of potash from 
any neutral salt of potash. The solution should not give a pre- 
cipitate with chloride of barium, and any precipitate thrown down 
with acetate of lead should be soluble in nitric acid. 75 grains 
(half the equivalent in grains of tartaric acid, as this acid is bi- 
basic) dissolved in water require for saturation 100 measures of 
the volumetric solution of soda. 

Therapeutics. Tartaric acid acts in the same way as citric acid, 
as a refrigerant in fevers, diminishing thirst : it is more commonly 
given for such purposes in the form of cream of tartar, or with 
bicarbonate of soda, in an effervescing state. 

Pose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water and sweet- 
ened. 

Adulteration. Sulphuric acid may be present from imperfect 
preparation. Bitartrate of potash and alum have occasionally 
been added. 



44 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

The following are the tests for purity in the Pharmacopoeia. 
The aqueous solution of tartaric acid is not affected by sulphur- 
etted hydrogen, and gives no precipitate with the solution of sul- 
phate of lime or of oxalate of ammonia ; leaves no residue, or 
merely a trace, when burned with free access of air ; these tests 
indicate the absence of oxalic acid, lime, or other fixed impurities. 

Oxalic Acid. Appendix. [Not Officinal in U. S. P.] 

The Oxalic Acid of Commerce is directed to be purified, by 
dissolving one pound of it in thirty fluid ounces of boiling water, 
filtering and crystallizing the acid from the filtered solution. 

Prop. <& Comp. Oxalic acid forms transparent four-sided 
prisms, soluble in water and alcohol. Its composition is repre- 
sented by the formula, HO, C 2 3 + 2 HO. It is entirely dissi- 
pated by a heat below 350°. 

Use. The solution of oxalic acid is used for quantitative and 
qualitative analysis. 

AMMONIA AND ITS SALTS. 

(NH 3 ). 
When pure, ammonia is a colourless gas, capable of being liqui- 
fied ; of very pungent odour, the fumes producing an alkaline 
reaction ; it forms salts with acids, but always takes an atom of 
basic water, and hence by most chemists these salts are regarded 
as containing an oxide of a hypothetical metal called ammonium 
(NH 4 ); thus sal ammoniac may be regarded as a hydrochlorate of 
ammonia (NH 3 , HC1) or chloride of ammonium (NH 4 CI). Am- 
monia also forms direct combinations with acids, as carbonic acid, 
not true salts ; a compound of carbonic acid and ammonia (NH 3 , 
C0 2 ) is perhaps present in the sesqui carbonate or so-called car- 
bonate of the Pharmacopoeia. Gaseous ammonia is sometimes 
made use of therapeutically, evolved usually when thus employed, 
from liquor ammonias, in which it is contained. 

Ammoniae Liquor Fortior. [Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. U. S.] 
Strong Solution of Ammonia. Ammoniacal gas, (NH 3 ), dis- 
solved in water and constituting 32*5 per cent, of the solution. 

Prep. Hydrochlorate of ammonia is distilled with slaked lime, 
and the resulting ammonia (gas) passed into distilled water, which 
absorbs it with intensity, and forms the solution of ammonia. 



AMMONLE LIQUOR FOETIOE. 45 

Prop. (& Comp. The strong solution has a sp. gr. 0*891, [sp. 
gr. 900, and containing 26 per cent, of the gas. U. S.] is colour- 
less, giving off pungent fumes when exposed to air, and has a 
strong alkaline reaction. When diluted with four times its vol- 
ume of distilled water no colour or precipitate should be produced 
by sulphuretted hydrogen or lime-water, by oxalate of ammonia, 
or ammonio-sulphate of copper ; showing the absence of most 
ordinary metallic impurities, carbonic acid, lime, or arsenic ; the 
solution, when treated with an excess of nitric acid is not rendered 
turbid by nitrate of silver or chloride of barium, indicating free- 
dom from chlorides, or sulphates. One fluid drachm requires for 
neutralization 102 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic 
acid. It contains therefore a fraction more than 17 grains (an 
equivalent) of ammonia in the fluid drachm. 

Off. Prep. Liquoe Ammonle. Solution of Ammonia. [Aqua 
Ammonia?. Water of Ammonia. U. S.] (Strong solution of am- 
monia, twenty fluid ounces ; distilled water, forty fluid ounces.) Sp. 
gr. 0*959. [Sp. gr. 0*960.] One fluid drachm requires for neu- 
tralization 30*8 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. 
It is about one- third of the strength of the strong solution. 

Linimentum Ammonle. Liniment of Ammonia. (Solution of 
ammonia, one fluid ounce ; olive oil, three fluid ounces.) [Two 
troy ounces. U. S.] Strong solution of ammonia is also an impor- 
tant ingredient in Linimentum Camphorae Compositum. 

Therapeutics. In medicinal doses free ammonia, as exhibited 
in any of its preparations, produces warmth at the epigastrium, 
and acts as an antacid ; increases the force and frequency of the 
pulse, allays spasm, and promotes the secretions from the skin and 
mucous membranes, especially the bronchial. In larger doses 
throbbing and pain in the head, with heaviness, are induced ; and 
in still larger medicinal doses, emetic effects * beyond this, poison- 
ous irritant symptoms may be caused. The action of ammonia 
differs much from that of alcohol, probably influencing the gan- 
glionic and spinal systems rather than the brain proper, and 
increasing the functions of the secreting and excreting organs. 
It does not render the urine alkaline, but perhaps a portion appears 
in that fluid as nitric acid. Externally applied, ammonia is rube- 
facient, and even vesicant ; inhaled as a gas, it is topically irritant. 



46 MATERIA MEJJ1CA. 

Ammonia is given to rouse the system in syncope ; to diminish 
spasm in hysteria ; to relieve nervous headache, the after-effects 
of* alcohol, and delirium tremens ; also as a stimulant in low states 
of the system, as typhoid forms of fever ; in pneumonia and bron- 
chitis, in which latter the expectorant power is also useful ; as a 
stimulant and antacid in low forms of dyspepsia connected with 
increased secretion of acid and flatulence in the stomach. Exter- 
nally it is employed to the mucous membrane of the nose in 
syncope and insensibility (in such cases care should be taken not 
to use too strong solutions) ; also occasionally it is inhaled, very 
much diluted, as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis. On the 
skin it is used, combined with volatile or essential oils, in most 
cases where a counterirritant effect is desired to be produced by 
means of an embrocation, as over painful parts, stiff joints, etc. 
Liquor ammoniae fortior, rubbed up with lard, will vesicate rapidly, 
if evaporation is prevented. Ammonia may be used _with advan- 
tage in poisoning with prussic acid, digitalis, tobacco, colchicum, 
and other sedative drugs. 

Dose. Of liq. [aqua. U. S.] ammoniae (not fortior) 10 min. to 
30 min., well diluted. The dose of the strong solution is one- 
third of that amount. 
Animonlae Carbonas. Carbonate of Ammonia. 

Synonym. Ammoniae Sesquicarbonas. Lond. Dub. 

Prejo. By heating a mixture of hydrochlorate of ammonia and 
chalk, when chloride of calcium, and carbonate of ammonia, are 
formed, the latter rises in vapour and is condensed. The exact 
changes are not, however, quite so simple, for a neutral carbonate 
of ammonium is not the result, as will be seen below. It is some- 
times made from sulphate of ammonia and chalk :. the sulphate 
being formed by the addition of gypsum or sulphuric acid to gas 
liquors or bone spirit. 

Prop. & Comp. Colourless, almost transparent, crystalline 
masses, with powerful ammoniacal odour and acrid taste ; strongly 
alkaline, volatilizes with heat, soluble in water, more sparingly in 
spirit ; and readily dissolved by acids with effervescence. Its 
composition is represented by the formula, 2 NH 4 0, 3 C0 2 . Ex- 
posed to air the odour is dissipated from the continued volatiliza- 
tion of the neutral carbonate at the ordinary temperature, and a 
white opaque salt remains : 2 H 4 NO, 3 C0 2 being resolved into 



AMMONITE caebostas. 47 

[NH 4 0, C0 2 4-H0 } C0 2 ]+NH 3 , C0 2 , or a compound of bicar- 
bonate of oxide of ammonium, the odourless, less soluble and less 
volatile salt, and a pungent compound of ammonia and carbonic 
acid, which can scarcely be looked upon as a true salt of ammonia : 
the solution, when saturated with nitric acid, is not precipitated 
by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver, showing the absence 
of sulphates and chlorides. Fifty grains are exactly neutralized 
by 84*74 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. This 
salt should be kept in a crystallized state, not in powder. 

Off. Prep. Spieitus Amhonle Aeomaticus. Aromatic 
Spirit of Ammonia. (Carbonate of ammonia, eight ounces ; 
strong solution of ammonia, four fluid ounces ; volatile oil of 
nutmeg, four fluid drachms ; oil of lemon, six fluid drachms ; 
rectified spirit, one hundred and twenty fluid ounces ; water, sixty 
fluid ounces : mix and distil one hundred and forty ounces.) 
[Spiritus Ammonias. Spirit of Ammonia. Take of muriate of 
ammonia, in small pieces, lime, each twelve troy ounces ; water, 
six pints ; alcohol, twenty fluid ounces. Pour a pint of water on 
the lime, and stir to the consistence of a smooth paste. Add the 
remainder of the water, and mix well. Decant the milky liquid 
from the sediment, into a glass retort, of the capacity of sixteen 
pints, and add the muriate of ammonia. Place the retort on a 
sand bath, and adapt it to a receiver, previously connected with a 
two-pint bottle containing the alcohol, by means of a glass tube 
reaching nearly to the bottom of the bottle. Surround the bottle 
with ice-cold water ; and apply a gradually increasing heat until 
ammonia ceases to be given off. Lastly, remove the liquid from 
the bottle, and introduce it into small bottles, which must be well 
stopped. U. S.] [Spiritus Ammonia? Aromaticus. Carbonate of 
ammonia, a troy ounce ; water of ammonia, three fluid ounces ; oil 
of lemon, two fluid drachms and a half; oil of nutmeg, forty min- 
ims ; oil of lavender, fifteen minims ; alcohol, a pint and a half ■ 
water, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the carbonate in the water 
of ammonia, previously mixed with four fluid ounces of water. 
Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, mix, and add sufficient water to 
make the whole measure two pints. U. S.] The proportions of am 
monia and carbonic acid in this preparation are such as to insure 
the formation of a neutral carbonate of ammonia. Its specific grav- 
ity is 0-870. Often called Sal Volatile. 



48 'MATERIA MEDICA. 

Therapeutics. Carbonate or sesquicarbonate of ammonia, when 
fresh, acts both internally and externally in the same manner as 
free ammonia (vide Liq. aminonise) ; occasionally, but very seldom, 
it is used as an emetic ; when old, or after exposure, it acts 
much less powerfully as an excitant, but resembles the other 
ammoniacal salts (vide Ammonise bicarbonas). 

Dose. Of the salt, as a stimulant, 3 gr. to 10 gr. or more. As 
an emetic, 30 gr. may be given well diluted ; occasionally useful 
as an emetic in asthenic bronchitis with deficient expectoration. 
Of aromatic spirits of ammonia, 20 min. to 1 fl. dr. 

Adulteration. The salt may be deficient in volatile carbonate 
of ammonia on account of previous exposure ; sulphates or chlo- 
rides may be present ; these are detected by the tests given above. 

Ammonise Bicarbonas. Bicarbonate of Ammonia. (Not offi- 
cinal.) 

Prep. By reducing the carbonate of ammonia to fine powder, 
spreading it out on a sheet of paper, and exposing it to the air 
for twenty-four hours, then keeping it in a well-stoppered bottle. 

Prop. <& Comp. A white powder when thus prepared, but it 
can be crystallized in six-sided prisms from a solution in water, 
of which, in the cold, about 8 parts are required for its solution ; 
it has very little ammoniacal odour, and a saline, slightly pungent, 
taste. Composition (NH 4 0, C0 2 + HO, C0 2 ), or a double carbo- 
nate of ammonia and water. 

Therapeutics. Yery slightly stimulant and antispasmodic, but 
increases the capillary circulation and the secretions of the skin 
and mucous membranes. 

Pose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water, &c. 
Sulphate of Ammonia. Appendix. 

Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of ammonia is represented by the 
formula, NH 4 O, S0 3 . 

Use. It is introduced into the appendix of the Pharmacopoeia 
to be used in the purification of sulphuric acid. It is rarely 
employed as a therapeutic agent. 

Ammonise Hydrochloras. [Murias. U. S.] Hydrochlorate of 

Ammonia ; Sal Ammoniac. , 

Synonym. Ammoniae Murias. Edin. Dub. 



AMMONITE HYDEOCHLOEAS. 49 

Prep. Generally prepared from gas liquor, by adding hydro- 
chloric acid to neutralization, or by first forming a sulphate of 
ammonia, mixing this with common salt (chloride of sodium), and 
separating the hydrochlorate of ammonia (chloride of ammonium) 
from the sulphate of soda by sublimation, and collecting in leaden 
domes. It may be also made from bone spirit. 

Prop. & Comp. Hemispherical cakes, or pieces of such, which 
have a peculiar tough, fibrous structure ; crystallizes from solution 
in octahedra : the salt is devoid of odour, but has a strong saline 
taste ; soluble in water, the solution being neutral [slightly red- 
dens litmus. U. S.] ; soluble also in rectified spirit : when its aque- 
ous solution is heated with potash, soda, or lime, free ammonia is 
evolved ; when heated with nitrate of silver it forms a copious 
curdy precipitate. It volatilizes with heat, and leaves no residue. 
The composition is represented by the formula, NH 4 CI. 

Therapeutics. Its action is not well understood ; it produces 
no primary stimulant effect, but probably, after absorption, increases 
the secretions of skin and mucous membranes : by some it is con- 
sidered cholagogue ; by others it is regarded as emmenagogue ; 
and there is good evidence of its action on the nervous system, 
as seen in its power of relieving pain in certain forms of neural- 
gia. It has been used as a substitute for mercury, in chronic 
inflammatory diseases, from an idea that it causes absorption of 
deposited lymph. Externally it is slightly stimulant, and sup- 
posed to have the power of dispersing tumors. It is not much 
used in Great Britain, but has been extensively employed in Ger- 
many and Russia in neuralgia and chronic rheumatism, and as an 
alterative. Externally it is applied in lotions to swollen parts, 
as glandular enlargements, &c. ; occasionally, from the cold pro- 
duced during its solution, as a refrigerant to the head. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 30 gr. 

Adulteration. Iron and lead are apt to be present in the com- 
mercial salt, from the apparatus employed in its manufacture ; 
the former may arise from sublimation of chloride of iron ; it 
stains the salt red ; neither sublime by moderate heat : the former 
is detected upon the addition of a few drops of nitric acid and 
ferrocyanide of potassium, giving rise to prussian blue ; the latter, 



50 MATEEIA MEDIO A. 

by a solution of iodide of potassium. Sometimes chloride of cal- 
cium is present, causing it to deliquesce. 

Liquor Ammonite Acetatis. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia. 

This solution contains about five times as much acetate of am- 
monia as Liquor Ammonias Acetatis, Lond., and six times as 
much as Liquor Ammonias Acetatis, Dub. Edin. The dilute 
solution of the London Pharmacopoeia was called Spirit of Mind" 
ererus. 

Prep. Made by cautiously neutralizing" the strong solution of 
ammonia with acetic acid. Much heat is evolved in the process 
[made by neutralizing diluted acetic acid by carbonate of ammo- 
nia. U. S.]. 

Prop. & Cornp. A colourless solution, without odour, but 
with strong saline taste ; sp. gr. 1*06 ; neutral in reaction ; it 
consists of acetate of ammonia (NH 4 0, A), dissolved in water ; 
treated with potash, it evolves ammonia, and with sulphuric acid, 
acetic vapours. It should not be coloured by sulphuretted hydro- 
gen, nor rendered turbid by a solution of lime ; diluted with 4 
volumes of water it gives no precipitate with nitrate of silver or 
chloride of barium. One fluid ounce treated with excess of hy- 
drochloric acid, and evaporated to dryness by a water-bath, leaves 
a residue of hydrochlorate of ammonia weighing 100 grains. 
When evaporated, the salt which remains is entirely volatilized 
by heat. 

Therapeutics. It is not a topical stimulant, as free ammonia 
and the carbonate, but it increases the secretions, especially of 
the skin, sometimes of the kidneys also ; it is very commonly 
used in the treatment of febrile states of the system, as a dia- 
phoretic and refrigerant. It is stated to relieve painful menstrua- 
tion when given in large doses. 

Dose. 10 min. to 40 min., freely diluted ; even more may be 
given in dysmenorrhea. [Of the U. S. preparation from half 
fl. ounce to two ounces.] 

Adulteration. It should not contain free acid or alkali, nor be 
given with fixed alkalies, lime, or magnesia, as ammonia is then 
set free. 



AMMONEE HYDEO-STJLPHUEETTJM. 51 

Ammonias Eenzoas. Benzoate of Ammonia. [Not Officinal in 
U. S. P.] 

Prep. (Solution of ammonia, three fluid ounces ; benzoic acid ? 
two ounces ; distilled water, eight fluid ounces ; dissolve and set 
aside to crystallize.) 

Prop. <& Comp. It occurs in colourless laminar crystals, which 
are readily soluble in water, in this respect differing from benzoic 
acid ; soluble also in alcohol. The watery solution, when acidu- 
lated with hydrochloric acid, deposits benzoic acid. Heated with 
caustic potash it evolves ammonia. It is entirely sublimed by 
heat. The aqueous solution gives a bulky yellow precipitate with 
persalts of iron. The composition is represented by the formula? 
NH 4 0, C 14 ,H 5 3 + HO. 

Therapeutics. Benzoate of ammonia acts as a diuretic and 
slight stimulant ; it is employed in cases of chronic inflammation 
of the bladder, &c, where there is a tendency to phosphatic de. 
posits. On account of its ready solubility it is much more readily 
administered than benzoic acid. It appears in the urine as hip. 
puric acid. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. 

Ammonias Oxalas. Appendix B. Oxalate of Ammonia ; also 
its watery solution. [Not Officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. By neutralizing a solution of oxalic acid by means of 
sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and subsequently evaporating and 
crystallizing the oxalate of ammonia which is formed. 

Prop. c& Gomp. & Use. Colourless prismatic crystals ; with- 
out odour ; soluble in water. Composition (NH 4 0, C 2 3 + HO). 
It is introduced into the Pharmacopoeia, to be used in solution as 
a test for the detection of lime, and its separation from magnesia. 
It is a poisonous salt. 

The solution of the oxalate of ammonia of the Appendix con- 
tains half an ounce of salt to 20 ounces of distilled water. 

Ammonias Hydro-Sulphuretnm. Appendix B. Hydrosul- 
phuret of Ammonia. [Not Officinal in IT. S. P.] A solution 
of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia in water. 
Prep. To be made by passing sulphuretted hydrogen gas 

through a solution of ammonia to saturation. 



52 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Prop, dk Com]). A greenish-yellow transparent liquid, with 
intensely disagreeable and pungent odour. Sp. gr. 0*999. Often 
used as a test, as it precipitates many metals. Composition of the 
salt (NH 4 S + SH), or a compound of sulphuret of ammonium and 
sulphuretted hydrogen. 

Therapeutics. In large doses its acts as a powerful depressant 
on the nervous system, causing giddiness, drowsiness, and faint- 
ness, with nausea ; in smaller ones it produces upon the secreting 
organs increased action, more especially seen on the bronchial 
mucous membrane and skin. It is used occasionally as a sudorific 
and expectorant in chronic skin diseases, rheumatism, and bron- 
chitis ; also in diabetes, in which it has been stated to diminish the 
morbid appetite, but it does not diminish the excretion of sugar. 
Dangerous if given incautiously, and not much employed. 

Dose. 3 min. upwards, carefully increased, dropped into water 
at the time of administration, as it soon decomposes and deposits 
sulphur. 

Incompatibles. Almost all metallic and acid solutions. 

Ammoniee Fkosphas. Phosphate of Ammonia. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] 

Prep. By mixing solutions of phosphoric acid and ammonia, 
and collecting the crystalline product which results. 

Prop. <& Comp. Phosphate of ammonia, 3 NH 4 0,P0 5 +5 HO, 
forms large transparent prisms, which effloresce on exposure to 
air ; it is soluble in water, insoluble in rectified spirit ; heated 
with potash it evolves ammonia ; it gives a canary-coloured preci- 
pitate with nitrate of silver ; and when acidulated with hydro- 
chloric acid »is not affected by sulphuretted hydrogen. If 20 
grains of this salt be dissolved in water and the solution of 
ammonio-sulphate of magnesia be added, a crystalline precipitate 
(ammonia-magnesian phosphate) falls, which when well washed 
upon a filter with solution of ammonia diluted with an equal 
volume of water, dried and heated to redness, leaves 11*44 
grains. 

Therapeutics. Phosphate of ammonia, when in solution, is 
capable of dissolving a considerable amount of urate of soda ; and 
clinical experience has shown that it is of great value in the treat- 



alfmen. 53 

ment of certain urinary diseases, where a tendency to uric acid 
calculi exists, and also in certain conditions of the gouty habit. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. freely diluted. 

The Iodide and the Bromide of ammonium have been some- 
times used in medicine. 

The Iodide of Ammonium seems to have nearly the same 
action as the iodide of potassium ; it forms a white crystalline 
salt, and may be given in the same doses as the last-named salt. 
See Potassii Iodidum. 

The Bromide of Ammonium has been used in some cases as 
an anaesthetic to deaden the sensibility of the fauces and palate, 
and in some forms of convulsive diseases, as pertussis, &c. The 
action is probably the same as that of the bromide of potassium. 
The dose is five to ten or even fifteen grains. See Potassii 
Bromidum. 



METALLIC PREPARATIONS (ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED). 

ALUMINUM. 

(Al. Eq.=13-75.) 

This metal does not exist native, but is formed artificially from 
certain of its compounds. It has a steel-grey colour, sp. gr. 2*67, 
and is not readily oxidized. It forms only one oxide (Al 2 3 ), a 
very weak base, which occurs pure in the sapphire, and combined 
with silica in clay, schists, &c. 

Alumen. Alum. Sulphate of Alumina and Potash, crystallized. 

Prep. Usually made by burning alum schist, which contains 
metallic sulphurets as well as alumina, and subsequent exposure to 
air, by which means sulphuric acid is formed ; this unites with the 
alumina, and the after-addition of sulphate of potash to the solu- 
tion, causes the formation and crystallization of the alum. 

Prop. <& Comp. Alum is a double sulphate of alumina and 
potassa (Al 2 3 , 3 S0 3 + KO, S0 3 + 24 HO) ; it forms transparent, 
white, regular octahedral crystals, having an acid sweet astrin- 
gent taste ; it is slightly efflorescent in dry air, from a loss of 
some of its water of crystallization ; soluble in 18 parts of 



54 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

water at 60° Fah., in less than its own weight of boiling water. 
Alumina is precipitated from a solution of alum by the addition 
of alkalies and their carbonates, but re-dissolved by excess of the 
former. A solution of alum gives also an immediate precipitate 
with chloride of barium (sulphate of baryta), and, after some hours? 
a crystalline precipitate with tartaric acid (bitartrate of potash). 
It should not be coloured blue by a mixture of ferrocyanide and 
ferricyanide of potassium (indicating that neither protoxide nor 
peroxide of iron is present). Alum should be entirely soluble in 
hot solution of soda, without the evolution of ammonia, showing 
that it is a true potash salt ; as occasionally sulphate of ammonia 
replaces, wholly or in part, the sulphate of potash. 

Off. Prep. Alumen Exsiccatum. Dried Alum. It is simply , 
alum deprived of its water by heat, which first fuses the salt, 
and then drives off the water of crystallization ; this forms 45*43 
per Gent, of its weight. Dried, or burnt alum, as it is commonly 
termed, occurs as a white or light spongy mass, which unites with 
water with some intensity. It is usually reduced to powder be- 
fore being employed as a medicinal agent. 

Therapeutics . Alum acts as an astringent, and if applied as 
alumen exsiccatum, or burnt alum, it is a slight escharotic. In- 
ternally it first acts upon the mucous membrane of the stomach 
and intestines ; it is afterwards absorbed, and produces remote 
astringent effects on the various secreting and other organs. In 
large doses it is a purgative. It is employed topically as a gargle 
or injection in sore throat, leucorrhoea, &c. • internally in haemorr- 
hages and passive discharges ; sometimes in colica pictorum as a 
purgative. Alum has also gained repute in the treatment of 
hooping-cough. 

Dose. Of alum 10 gr. to 20 gr. as an astringent, alone or com- 
bined with kino, &c. ; from 30 gr. to 60 gr. may be given as a 
purgative. [In doses of 1 or 2 drachms, it operates as an emetic] 
Dried alum is for external use only. 

Incompatibles. Alkalies and their carbonates, tannic acid, or 
infusions and decoctions containing it ; tartrates, salts of lead, 
baryta, lime, cause precipitates in solutions of alum. 



AXTIMOJtflUM SULPHUR ATUM. 55 

ANTIMONIUM. AHTIMOKY. 

(Sb. Eq. = 122.) 

This element is not employed in medicine in its metallic state ; 
all the preparations are prepared from the native or black tersul- 
phuret, the most abundant ore. The symbol Sb. is derived from 
Stibium, a Latin name for antimony. 

Sulphuret of Antimony, prepared. Appendix A. 

Prep. Made by fusing the ore, to separate it from impurities, 
and afterwards reducing it to powder. 

Prop. <& Comp. It occurs in crystalline metallic-looking 
masses, which have a striated appearance, and are of a steel-grey 
colour. The composition in Sb S 3 . It is soluble in boiling hy- 
drochloric acid, giving off sulphuretted hydrogen ; the solution is 
precipitated when thrown into water, a white oxychloride of anti- 
mony being formed. 

Off. Prep. Not used as a drug, but employed in the prepara- 
tion of the sulphurated antimony, tartarated antimony (tartar 
emetic), and terchloride of antimony. 

Antimonium Sulphuratum. Sulphurated Antimony. 
Synonym. Antimonii Oxysulphuretum. Lond. 

Sulphuretum Aureum. Edin. 
" " Precipitatum. Dub. 

Prep. By boiling ten ounces of prepared sulphuret of antimony 
for two hours with four pints and a half of solution of soda, con- 
stantly stirring, distilled water being often poured in that it may 
fill nearly the same measure. The solution is strained through 
calico, and before it cools dilute sulphuric acid is added in slight 
excess. The precipitate is collected on a calico filter, the sulphate 
of soda washed away with water, and the precipitate dried at a 
temperature not exceeding 212°. 

Prop. <& Comp. A bright orange or golden red powder, with- 
out odour and with slight taste ; insoluble in water, almost entirely 
soluble in hot hydrochloric acid with evolution of sulphuretted 
hydrogen, a little sulphur remaining undissolved ; the acid solu- 
tion dropped into water gives a copious white precipitate ; it is 
also readily dissolved by caustic soda or potash. The formula 



56 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

(Sb 3 + 5 Sb, S 3 + 15 HO) has been assigned to this substance, but 
it is probably not a true chemical compound, only a mixture of 
tersulphuret of antimony (Sb S 3 ) with a small and variable amount 
of teroxide (Sb 3 ). Sixty grains of this preparation dissolved in 
hydrochloric acid and dropped into water give a white precipitate 
(oxychloride, Sb Cl 3 , 5 Sb 3 ?), which when washed and dried 
weighs about 53 grains. 

Off. Prep. It forms a part of Pilula Calomelanos Composita. 

Therapeutics. It possesses the sama properties as other anti- 
monial preparations, vide Antimonium Tartaratum ; is rather un- 
certain in action from its slight solubility, and is seldom used except 
as an alterative in the compound calomel pill. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 5 gr; as an alterative ; 10 gr. and upwards as 
an emetic (not used as such). 

Antimonium Tartaratum. Tartarated Antimony. [Antimonii 
et Potassae Tartras, U. S.] 

Synonym. Antimonii Potassio-Tartras. Lond. Often termed 
Tartar Emetic. 

Prep. By mixing five ounces of oxide of antimony with six 
ounces of acid tartrate of potash in fine powder, and a little water 
so as to form a paste, and setting the mass aside for twenty-four 
hours ; afterwards boiling it in water for a quarter of an hour, 
filtering the solution, and allowing the clear filtrate to crystallize. 
In this process one equivalent of oxide of antimony (Sb 3 ) replaces 
the equivalent of water in the acid tartrate of potash (HO, KO, 
C 8 H 4 O 10 ). 

Prop. & Comp. Colourless transparent crystals, exhibiting 
triangular facets (rhombic octahedra) with slight metallic taste. 
Composition (Sb 3 , KO, C 8 H 4 O 10 + 2 HO). The crystals efflo- 
resce slightly in dry air ; are soluble in about 20 parts of boiling 
water ; partially soluble in proof spirit and insoluble in alcohol : 
they decrepitate and blacken upon the application of heat. The 
watery solution decomposes readily with the formation of algae 
(Sirocrocis tartarica) ; is precipitated orange-red by sulphuretted 
hydrogen, not by ferrocyanide of potassium, chloride of barium, or 
nitrate of silver unless the solution is concentrated. Nitric acid 
gives a precipitate soluble in excess of the acid. The watery so- 



ANTIMONIUM TAETAEATUM. 57 

lution gives a white precipitate with hydrochloric acid, which is 
not formed if tartaric acid be previously added. Twenty grains 
dissolve without residue in a fluid ounce of distilled water at 60°, 
and the solution gives with sulphuretted hydrogen an orange pre- 
cipitate, which when washed and dried at 212° weighs 9*91 grains. 
Off. Prep. Vinum Antimoniale. Antimonial wine. (Tarta- 
rated antimony, forty grains ; sherry wine, twenty ounces.) Two 
grains of the salt are contained in each ounce of the wine. 

Unguentum Antimonii Tartarati. [Unguentum Antimonii^ 
U. S.] Ointment of Tartarated Antimony. (Tartarated antimo- 
ny, in fine powder, a quarter of an ounce ; simple ointment, one 
ounce.) The ointment contains one part of antimonial salt in five 
parts of the preparation, and nearly twice as much tartarated anti- 
mony as unguentum antimonii tartarati. Dub. 

Therapeutics. Internally, in small doses, tartar emetic acts on 
the skin and mucous membranes, and is diaphoretic, expectorant, 
and probably cholagogue. In larger doses it acts at first as an 
emetic, sometimes as a purgative ; if continued, tolerance becomes 
established, and it then produces a powerful sedative effect upon 
the vascular system (not the heart especially) and upon all the 
muscles. Externally it is powerfully irritant, and produces pustules 
having the character of those in Yariola ; occasionally when thus 
applied it becomes absorbed, and hence may be dangerous in 
very young subjects. Tartar emetic is used in febrile affections 
to promote secretions ; in severe inflammation, as in acute pneu- 
monia and bronchitis, as a vascular depressant : also in the reduc- 
tion of dislocations ; not unfrequently as an addition to purgative 
medicines. It is frequently employed as an emetic, being adapted 
to cases in which depression of the circulation is not objectionable . 
Externally, in the form of ointment, or hot aqueous solution, it is 
used as a powerful counterirritant in head and abdominal affec- 
tions, also over diseased joints, and other chronically inflamed parts. 

Dose. Of tartar emetic ; as a diaphoretic, expectorant, &c, 
T V gr. to J gr. ; as a vascular depressant or sedative, ^ gr. to 2 gr. ; 
as an emetic, 1 gr. to 3 gr. 

The wine is objectionable in cases where large doses of the salt 
are required for its depressant effect, but is a useful form for ad- 
ministration in doses of 15 min. to 40 min. in febrile affections, &c. 



58 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Incompatihles. Acids, alkalies, and their carbonates cause pre- 
cipitates in the solutions of this salt ; also some earthy and metal- 
lic preparations, as those of lime, lead, &c. ; but caustic alkalies 
in excess redissolve the precipitate. Astringent vegetable infu- 
sions throw down an insoluble tannate of antimony. 

Adulteration. Cream of tartar is the only adulteration likely 
to be met with ; this can be detected by its being less soluble in 
water than tartar emetic, and by finding that upon the addition of 
a small quantity of carbonate of soda to a boiling solution of the 
suspected salt, the precipitated oxide of antimony, which is at first 
thrown down, becomes redissolved from the presence of the free 
acid of the acid tartrate of potash. 

Antimonii Oxidum. Oxide of Antimony. 

Prep. This is prepared by pouring a solution of terchloride of 
antimony into water, and treating the resulting precipitate of oxy- 
chloride of antimony with carbonate of soda, by which means 
oxide of antimony and chloride of sodium are formed. The oxide 
is afterwards washed and dried at a heat not exceeding 212°. 

Prop, & Gomp. Teroxide of antimony (Sb 3 ) is a white pow- 
der fusible at a low red heat, and readily dissolved by hydrochlo- 
ric acid. The solution, dropped into distilled water, gives a 
white deposit, changed to orange yellow by sulphurrettecl hydro- 
gen. Oxide of antimony does not yield any sublimate when fused 
in a test tube, showing the absence of arsenious acid ; and it dis- 
solves entirely when boiled with an excess of the acid tartrate of 
potash. 

Off. Prep. Pulvis Antimonialis. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Antimonial Powder. (Oxide of antimony, one ounce ; precipitated 
phosphate of lime, two ounces.) This is intended as a substitute 
for " James 7 powder." 

Therapeutics. The oxide of antimony is analogous in its action 
to tartar emetic ; but on account of the slowness with which it 
dissolves in the stomach, it is less likely to cause local irritation, 
and it may be employed with advantage when the diaphoretic and 
slightly alterative effects of antimony are required. 

Dose. Of oxide of antimony, 1 gr. to 5 gr. ; of antimonial 
powder, 3 gr. to 15 gr. 



AOTIMONII TEKCHLOKIDI LIQUOK. 59 

Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor. Solution of Terchloride of 
Antimony. Terchloride of Antimony (Sb Cl 3 ), dissolved in hy- 
drochloric acid. 

Prep. Made by dissolving one pound of the prepared tersul- 
phuret in four pints of hydrochloric acid with the aid of heat, and 
reducing the solution to two pints. 

Prop. & Comp. A heavy liquid, of a yellowish-red colour ; sp. 
gr. 1*47. A little of it dropped into water gives a white precipi- 
tate, which becomes orange when treated with sulphuretted hy- 
drogen. The solution, filtered from the white precipitate, gives 
rise to a copious deposit when treated with nitrate of silver. 
These reactions show that antimony and chlorine are present in 
the solution. One drachm, mixed with a solution of a quarter of 
an ounce of tartaric acid in four ounces of water, gives a precipi- 
tate with sulphuretted hydrogen, which, when washed and dried 
at 212°, weighs at least 22 grains, indicating the amount of anti- 
mony. 

Therapeutics. This solution of terchloride of antimony is a pow- 
erful caustic and escharotic. It is applied sometimes to cancerous 
growths, and also to poisoned wounds, to the bites of venomous 
serpents, etc. It is never administered internally, but is used in 
the preparation of the oxide of antimony. 

ARGENTUM. SILVER. 

(Ag. Eq.=108.) 
Silver. Appendix A. Metallic Silver, refined. 

Silver, in its metallic state, is not used in medicine, except as a 
coating for pills, but is introduced in the Appendix for the purpose 
of making the nitrate of silver ; when pure, it is very white and 
malleable, sp. gr. 10*50, it is acted on readily by sulphuretted 
hydrogen, and becomes black, but is not oxidised in the air ; it is 
soluble in nitric acid. Silver leaf is the form made use of if the 
metal is employed as a test. 

Argenti Nitras. Nitrate of silver. 

Prep. Three ounces of refined silver are dissolved by the aid 
of a gentle heat in one fluid ounce and three quarters of nitric 
acid, previously diluted with five ounces of water ; the clear sol- 
ution is then evaporated and allowed to crystallize. 



60 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Prop, dh Oomp. Nitrate of silver (Ag 0, N0 5 ), when crys- 
tallized, is in colourless right rhombic prisms ; when fused, in the 
form of small white pencils or sticks, crystalline in structure. It 
is soluble in its own weight of water at 60° Fah., insoluble in 
alcohol, but soluble in rectified spirit. It gives a copious white 
precipitate with hydrochloric acid, which becomes dark by ex- 
posure to light ; soluble in solution of ammonia, but not in nitric 
acid. Ten grains dissolved in distilled water give with hydro- 
chloric acid a precipitate which when washed and dried weighs 
8*44 grains, and the filtrate when evaporated by a water bath 
leaves no residue ; indicating the proper amount of the metal, 
and the absence of impurities. It stains the skin black, and forms 
insoluble compounds with animal tissues. It should be kept from 
the light. 

Of. Prep. Volumetric Solution of Nitrate of Silver. 
(Nitrate of silver, 148*75 grains ; distilled water, twenty fluid 
ounces.) This solution is used for the quantitative estimation 
of hydrocyanic acid, and likewise as a qualitative test for the 
presence of chlorides, etc. 

Therapeutics. Externally it is astringent, irritant, vesicant, 
or even escharotic, according to the mode of its application ; it 
may be used in solution of the strength of from half a grain to 
half a drachm to the fluid ounce, or in the solid form. In- 
ternally, in small doses, it acts as an astringent and alterative 
to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, is 
absorbed and produces remote astringent effects, and also in- 
fluences the nervous system as a tonic ; when long continued, 
it may stain the surface of the body of a blue or leaden hue, 
but such an effect has not been known to occur under less than 
three months' continuous use of the drug. 

It is used to poisoned wounds, pustules, ulcers (venereal or 
others), and erysipelatous inflamed parts ; also to diminish or 
destroy morbid growths. Occasionally it is rubbed on the skin, 
to produce vesication. 

In solutions of different strengths, it is used as a lotion, injection, 
or collyrium. Internally, it is often of great value in gastric affec- 
tions of a chronic inflammatory character, accompanied by gas- 
trodynia, pyrosis, or vomiting ; also in certain forms of diarrhoea ; 
and as a nervous tonic in chorea and epilepsy. 



ARGENTI OXrDUM. 61 

Dose. \ gr. to \ gr. or more, made into a pill with crumb of 
bread or some ingredient which does not decompose the salt. 

Incompatibles. Its solution should be made with distilled 
water, as the chlorides decompose the silver salt ; nitrate of 
silver is seldom given in the form of solution on account of its 
very disagreeable taste, and its decomposing almost all vegetable 
infusions, which could be prescribed with it ; probably the chloride 
of silver and other insoluble compounds would act as therapeutic 
agents. 

Adulteration. It is apt to contain copper, and lead, or, when 
in the fused form, nitrate of potash ; if copper, its solution, after 
complete precipitation by common salt, will be blackened by 
sulphuretted hydrogen ; if lead, the precipitate formed by the 
addition of common salt, is not entirely dissolved by ammonia ; 
if nitre or any other substance, then seventeen grains of the silver 
salt will not be sufficient to precipitate entirely six grains of 
chloride of sodium, or the salt will not answer the test given 
above. 

[Argenti nitras fusa. Fused nitrate of silver. Nitrate of silver 
melted and run into suitable moulds.] 

Argenti Oxidum. Oxide of Silver. 

Prep. A solution of half an ounce of nitrate of silver in four 
fluid ounces of distilled water, is poured into four pints or a suffi- 
ciency of lime water, and the mixture well shaken, and set aside 
to allow the deposit to settle ; the supernatant fluid having been 
drawn off, the deposit should be collected on a filter, washed with 
distilled water, and afterwards dried at a temperature not ex- 
ceeding 212° Fah., and kept in a stoppered bottle. [In the P. U. 
S. solution of Potassa is used instead of lime water.] 

Prop. <& Comp. The oxide of silver (Ag 0) is a dark olive- 
brown powder, becoming black by age ; insoluble in water, but 
soluble in ammonia and likewise in nitric acid without the evol- 
ution of any gas ; readily decomposed by heat, and even by the 
action of light, when long continued, into metallic silver and 
oxygen. 

Therapeutics. Very similar to the nitrate, except that the 
topical action is slight ; after absorption, its effects are probably 
the same. It has been asserted to be a very valuable astringent 



62 MATEBIA MEDIC A. 

in hemorrhages. It may be used when the remote action** of 
silver is required, as in diseases of the nervous system, as a nervine 
tonic. 

Dose. -J gr. to 2 gr., in the form of pill. 

Tests for 'purity. Twenty-nine grains of oxide of silver yield 
27 grains of metallic silver when heated to redness. The equiv- 
alent of the oxide is 116, and of metallic silver 108 ; and 116 is 
to 108 as 29 to 27. 

Incompatibles . Oxide of silver, from the readiness with which 
it parts with its oxygen, decomposes many organic substances. 
It is particularly incompatible with creasote, with which it forms 
a compound, liable to spontaneous combustion. 

The Chloride of Silver has also been given as a remedy : its 
z action is probably similar to that of the oxide. 

ARSENICUM. ARSENIC. 

(As. Eq.=75.) 
Arsenic occurs chiefly in the form of arseniuret of iron, nickel, 
or cobalt. Metallic arsenic is not employed in medicine ; when 
pure, it is dark steel-coloured, with metallic lustre, crystalline, and 
brittle ; sp. gr. 5*8 ; very volatile, and when heated gives off an 
odour like garlic ; it forms with oxygen two acids, and combines 
readily with sulphur. 

Acidum Arseniosum. Arsenious Acid; White Arsenic. 

Prep. Usually collected in flues during the smelting of the 
arseniurets, and afterwards purified by introducing some of the 
commercial arsenious acid into a thin porcelain capsule, and 
covering the capsule with a glass flask filled with cold water and 
fitting pretty closely, then applying the heat of a lamp. The arse- 
nious acid being volatile, rises in the form of vapour, and conden- 
ses and adheres to the bottom of the flask. 

Prop. & Comp. The composition of arsenious acid is, As 3 . 
The commercial article usually occurs in broken pieces of the 
cakes, into which it had been sublimed ; it is transparent and 
glass-like at first, but becomes after a time opaque white or yel- 
lowish. 

The medicinal acid, or that which has been resublimed by the 
above process, is in the form of a crystalline, heavy, white pow- 



AC3DTJM AKSETSTOSTJM. 63 

der ; soluble in about 100 parts of cold water — much more in 
boiling water, which, on cooling, deposits octahedral crystals of 
the acid ; when sublimed slowly in a tube, the same octahedral 
crystals are seen. When mixed with charcoal and heated, metal- 
lic arsenic sublimes with an alliaceous odour. The solution of 
arsenious acid is precipitated yellow by sulphuretted hydrogen, 
and lemon or canary-yellow colour by ammonio-nitrate of silver, 
and green with sulphate of copper, after the addition of potash. 

Tests for purity . It is entirely volatilized by heat. Four grains 
dissolved in boiling water with 8 grains of bicarbonate of soda, 
discharge the colour of 80*8 measures of the volumetric solution of 
iodine. This decolorization is effected by the conversion of the 
iodine into hydriodic acid. The change may be represented by the 
formula, As 3 + 2 HO + 2 I=As 5 + 2 HI, two equivalents of io- 
dine corresponding to one equivalent of arsenious acid ; or one 
equivalent of iodine, 127, to half an equivalent of arsenious acid, 
49*5. Thus 100 measures of the volumetric solution, which contain 
12*7 grains (or one-tenth of an equivalent) of iodine, represent 4*95 
grains (or one-tenth of half an equivalent) of arsenious acid. One 
hundred grains should give 124 of tersulphuret of arsenic (orpi- 
ment) when precipitated with sulphuretted hydrogen in an acid 
solution. 

Off. Prep. Liquor Arsenic alis. Arsenical Solution. A 
mixed solution of arsenite and carbonate of potash. [Liquor Po- 
tassse- Arsenitis. Solution of Arsenite of Potassse. U. S.] 

Synonym. Liquor Potassas Arsenitis. Lond. 

Arsenious acid, broken into small pieces, carbonate of potash, 
each, eighty grains ; compound tincture of lavender, five fluid 
drachms ; distilled water, one pint. Boil the acid and carbon- 
ate with half a pint of water, until they are dissolved. To 
the cold liquor add the tincture ; and lastly, as much of the water 
as may be requisite, that it may accurately measure a pint.) 
This solution was formerly known as Fowler's Solution ; four 
grains of arsenious acid are contained in each fluid ounce. Sp. 
gr., 1*009. [The preparation is identical with that of the U. S. P. 
In the latter, however, the pint of the solution contains but 64 
grains of arsenious acid, the apparent difference being caused by 
the use of the wine pint divided into 16 fl. ounces, instead of the 



64 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

imperial pint of the Br. P.] One fluid ounce boiled for five 
minutes with ten grains of bicarbonate of soda, and then diluted 
with six fluid ounces of water to which a little mucilage of starch 
has been added, does not give with the volumetric solution of 
iodine a permanent blue colour, until eighty-one measures, (repre- 
senting four grains of arsenious acid) have been added. The 
explanation of this test is the same as that given under the head 
of arsenious acid itself. The addition of the starch insures the 
detection of free iodine more readily. 

Therapeutics. In minute doses the effects of arsenic appear 
to be directed to the skin and nervous system, being alterative 
and tonic in their nature : in larger doses, irritation of the ali- 
mentary canal and of the mucous membrane of the eyes is pro- 
duced ; in still larger, poisonous effects ensue : externally, it acts 
as an escharotic, and may be absorbed to a dangerous extent. It 
is employed internally in chronic skin affections, more especially 
when of a squamous or tubercular character ; also as an antiperiodic 
in agues and neuralgic affections ; and in chorea and epilepsy 
it is sometimes more effectual than quinine. 

Dose. Of arsenious acid -^ gr. to x gr., or T V gr. Of liq. 
arsenicalis, 2 min. to 5 min., or occasionally to 10 min. Pre- 
parations of arsenic should be given soon after a meal, and pain in 
the epigastrium, nausea, and irritation of the eyelids, should 
be looked upon as indications for diminishing the dose. 

Adulteration. Gypsum and chalk, which have been sometimes 
mixed with arsenious acid, can be readily detected by not sub- 
liming with heat. 

Sodse Arsenias. Arseniate of Soda. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Prep. Made by finely powdering and intimately mixing to- 
gether ten ounces of arsenious acid, eight and a half ounces of 
nitrate of soda, and five and a half ounces of dried carbonate 
of soda, afterwards putting the mixture into a large clay crucible, 
covered with a lid, and exposing it to a full red heat, till effer- 
vescence has ceased and complete fusion has taken place. 

Prop. <& Comp. Occurs in colourless transparent prisms. 

The formula is, 2Na 0, HO, As 5 + 14 HO. Soluble in water, 

the solution giving a brick-red precipitate with nitrate of silver 

3 Ag 0, As 5 ), and a white precipitate with chloride of barium, 



AE8ENICI ET HYDEAEGYEI HYDEIODATIS LIQUOE. 65 

chloride of calcium, and sulphate of zinc, all of which precipitates 
are soluble in nitric acid. The precipitate with silver is also 
soluble in excess of ammonia. Arseniate of soda heated to 300° 
loses 40*38 per cent, of its weight. A watery solution of 10 
grains of the residue, treated with 5*3 measures of the volumetric 
solution of soda, continues to give a precipitate with the volumet- 
ric solution of nitrate of silver, until 161*3 measures of the latter 
have been added, equivalent to 18*5 grains of arsenic acid (As 5 ). 
Off. Prep. Liquor Sod^e Arsentatis. Solution of Arseniate 
of Soda. (Arseniate of Soda, rendered anhydrous by a heat not 
exceeding 300°, four grains ; distilled water, one fluid ounce.) 

Therapeutics. Arseniate of soda may be employed in the same 
cases as arsenious acid or the arsenical solution. Its action, 
measured by the amount of metallic arsenic contained in it, 
appears to be milder than that of the metal in the lower form of 
oxidation. See Therapeutics of Arsenious Acid. 

Dose. Of the crystallized salt T \ gr. to ^ gr. ; of the salt 
dried at 300°, 2V g r - to i gr. ; of liquor soda? arseniatis, 5 
min. to 30 min. Some patients are very intolerant of arsenic, 
and much smaller doses must then be administered. 

Ferri Arsenias. Arseniate of Iron. See Iron Salts. 

Arsenici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor. Solution of 
Hydriodate of Arsenic and Mercury ; Donovan's Solution. 
■(Not officinal.) 

Prep. (Pure arsenic, in fine powder, six grains : pure mercury 
sixteen grains ; pure iodine, fifty and a half grains ; alcohol, half 
a fluid drachm ; distilled water, nine ounces or a sufficient 
quantity. Rub together the arsenic, mercury, iodine, and spirit, 
until a dry mass is obtained, and having triturated eight ounces 
of the water with this in successive portions, let the whole be 
transferred to a flask, and heated until it begins to boil. When 
cooled and filtered, let as much distilled water be added to it as 
will make the bulk of the solution exactly eight fluid ounces and 
six drachms.) [Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi. Solution of 
Iodide of Arsenic and Mercury. 35 grains of the Iodide of Arsenic 
and the same quantity of the Red Iodide of Mercury are dissolved 
in half a pint of distilled water. U. S.] 

Prop. <& Comp. A very pale greenish-coloured liquid, having 
6 



66 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

no odour, but a styptic taste ; it probably contains the red 
iodide of mercury (Hg I) and ter-iodide of arsenic (As I 3 ). 

Therapeutics. It has been used chiefly in obstinate skin affec- 
tions, and seems occasionally to be useful when other prepara- 
tions of arsenic fail ; it is peculiarly applicable to those depending 
on venereal taint. Externally, freely diluted, it has been used 
as a lotion in similar cases. 

Dose. 10 min. to \ fl. drm. diluted, and given with the pre- 
cautions enjoined for the other preparations of arsenic. Each 
fl. drm. contains about 0*086 gr. of metallic arsenic. 

AURUM. GOLD. 

(Au. Eq.=196-5.) 

Aurum. Gold. Appendix B. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Fine gold ; in mass or leaf. 

Gold, when pure, is a soft, malleable, yellow metal ; sp. gr. 
19*5 ; introduced into the Pharmacopoeia for forming a solution. 
Gold is not acted on by nitric or any other simple acid, only by 
nitro-hydrochloric acid or chlorine. The test solution of the ter- 
chloride of gold is formed by dissolving gold in nitro-hydro- 
chloric acid ; evaporating to dryness, and re-dissolving the resulting 
ter-chloride in distilled water. It is used as a test for Atro- 
pine, etc. 

Therapeutics. Metallic gold in a state of very minute divi- 
sion (Pulvis Auri), the ter-oxide (Au 3 ) and ter-chloride (Au Cl 3 ), 
have been employed in medicine. Gold appears to act in a very 
similar manner to mercury ; its use has been chiefly confined 
to the treatment of venereal and scrofulous affections ; as yet its 
action has not been well made out. The preparation most em- 
ployed is a double chloride of gold and sodium (Au Cl 3 , Na CI 
+ 4 HO), which occurs as an orange- coloured salt in quadrangular 
prisms. Leaf gold is much used by dentists for stopping teeth. 

Dose. Of powdered gold, \ gr. to 1 gr. ; of ter-oxide, fa gr. 
upwards ; of ter-chloride or of the double salt, gr. gV upwards. 
The chloride is very poisonous, acting in a manner similar to 
corrosive sublimate. 



BISMUTHUM ALBUM. 67 

BABIUM. 

(Ba. E^.=68'5.) 
Barium, the metallic base of the Baryta salts, when separated, 
forms a brilliant white metaL 

Barii Chloridum. Appendix B. Chloride of Barium, in 
crystals. 

Prep, By acting on the native carbonate of baryta (Witherite) 
by means of hydrochloric acid assisted by heat. 

Prop, dk Oomp, Flat rectangular, white, transparent crystals 
with bevelled edges ; taste acrid and disagreeable ; pretty soluble 
in water. Composition of crystals (Ba CI + 2 HO). 

Off, Prep. Solution of Chloride op Barium. Appendix 
B. (Chloride of Barium in crystals, one ounce ; distilled water to 
ten fluid ounces.) 

Use, Chloride of barium is introduced into the Pharmacopoeia 
as a test for detecting the presence of sulphuric acid or sulphates 
in solution ; the precipitated sulphate of baryta forms a heavy 
white powder, insoluble even in boiling nitric acid. 

Therapeutics. Chloride of barium has been employed in medi- 
cine, and in small doses appears to act as an alterative, especially, 
affecting the glandular system • it is also supposed to act on the 
nervous centres. It is, however, a very poisonous salt, and is 
seldom used therapeutically. 

Dose, J gr. to 2 gr. and upwards. 

BISMUTH. 

(Br. Eq.=210.) 
Metallic Bismuth. Appendix A. 

Description. A pinkish white metal, occurring native, fusing 
readily, and crystallizing in cubes or octahedra ; sp. gr. 9' 8 ; 
soluble in nitric acid, precipitated by water : introduced only for 
the formation of the nitrate. 

Bismuthum Album. White Bismuth. [Bismuthi Sub Nitras 
Sub Nitrate of Bismuth. U. S. P.] 

Synonym, Bismuthi Nitras. Lond. Bismuthi Subnitras. Dub, 

Prep. Made by dissolving two ounces of bismuth (in coarse 



68 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

powder) in two fluid ounces and a half of nitric acid, diluted 
with three ounces of water, aiding the solution by heat j when 
the effervescence has ceased, decanting from impurities, evapo- 
rating the liquor to three fluid ounces, and pouring it into half 
a gallon of water, decanting the supernatant fluid from the pre- 
cipitate which subsides, washing the sediment by agitation with 
water, and drying on a filter at a temperature of 212°. 

The solution of bismuth in nitric acid, when poured into 
water, lets fall Nitrate of Bismuth, now called in the Pharma- 
copoeia, White Bismuth, formerly known as the tris-nitrate or 
sub-nitrate ; the solution of Bismuth in nitric acid must, there- 
fore, be considered as containing a ter-nitrate of the metal 
(Bi 3 , 3 N0 5 ). 

Prop. & Comp. A heavy white powder sometimes pearly or 
crystalline. Composition (Bi 3 , N0 5 ), but a little water is con- 
tained in it when prepared as above directed : its composition is 
also somewhat altered by washing. It is insoluble in water, and 
blackened by sulphuretted hydrogen ; dissolves without efferves- 
cence in nitric acid, and the solution poured into water gives a 
white crystalline precipitate ; dissolved in sulphuric acid, diluted 
with an equal bulk of water, it forms a solution which is blackened 
by sulphate of iron, showing the presence of nitric acid. 

Off. Prep. Trochisci Bismuthi. Bismuth Lozenges. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (White bismuth, fourteen hundred and forty 
grains ; carbonate of magnesia four ounces ; precipitated carbon- 
ate of lime, six ounces ; refined sugar, thirty ounces ; gum arabic, 
in powder, one ounce ; distilled water, six fluid ounces ; oil of 
cinnamon, half a fluid drachm, for 720 square lozenges.) Each 
lozenge contains two grains of white bismuth. 

Therapeutics. It acts as a sedative to the stomach and intes- 
tines and is used with great effect in pyrosis, and some forms of 
vomiting ; also to restrain diarrhoea, especially when phthisical in 
character : its remote effects are not well made out. Externally 
it is stated to allay irritation, and it has been used in some chronic 
skin diseases. It is also employed as a cosmetic. 

Pose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. in powder ; or suspended by means of 
mucilage of gum arabic or tragacanth. Of the lozenges, from 2 
upwards. 



IODIDE OF CADMIUM. 69 

Adulteration. Carbonate of lead, a dangerous addition, known 
by the tests given above ; this salt effervesces with nitric acid, 
and the solution is precipitated by sulphuric acid. Arsenic has 
been occasionally found in the salt, detected by the sublimation 
of arsenious acid when the preparation is heated, and by the other 
tests given under that metal. 

Carbonate of Bismuth (not officinal), [Bismuthi Sub-carbonas 
Sub-carbonate of Bismuth. U. S.], which occurs in the form of a fine 
white powder, is sometimes used in medicine for the same purposes 
as the nitrate of bismuth ; it is supposed to be more soluble in the 
stomach than the nitrate, and on that account has been preferred 
by some ; this advantage is at the best a doubtful one, and clinical 
experience as to the comparative value of the two preparations of 
bismuth is still wanting* The dose is the same as that of the 
Nitrate. 

CAD HUM. 

(Cd. Eq.=56.) 

Cadmium is a metal of a white color, resembling tin, and a bar 
of it creaks when it is bent in the same manner as tin. It is 
found as a sulphuret, in combination with some ores of zinc. Sp. 
gr. 8"6. None of the salts of cadmium are officinal. 

Sulphate of Cadmium (Cd 0, S0 3 f 4 HO) resembles in ap- 
pearance sulphate of zinc ; it is crystalline and soluble in water, 
in large doses it produces vomiting : it is said to possess anti- 
syphilitic properties, and applied in solution topically acts as an 
astringent and irritant, and may be used for the same purposes as 
the sulphate of zinc. Its action is said, however, to be ten times 
more powerful. 

Iodide of Cadmium (Cd I) [not officinal in U. S. P.], occurs 
in pearl-like crystalline scales ; made into an ointment it forms an 
efficient preparation, which may be used in the same cases, and 
has the same action as the iodide of lead ; while the staining 
which the latter salt produces is not produced by the cadmium 
salt ; this renders the iodide of cadmium a more desirable remedy 
when we wish to avoid the production of the yellow disfiguration. 
Cadmium, when absorbed into the system, is not known to pro- 
duce injurious effects, as is the case with lead- The ointment may 



70 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

consist of from thirty to sixty grains rubbed up with an ounce of 
lard. 

CAL CIUM, 

(Ca. Eq.=20.) ^ 

Calcium is the metallic base of lime ; it occurs, when pure, as a 
white metal, which, when heated, oxidizes rapidly and is converted 
into lime. 

Calx. Lime, recently prepared from Chalk. 

Prep. Lime, or quick-lime, is made from chalk or carbonate 
of lime by strongly heating it r so as to drive off the carbonic 
acid. 

Prop. & Comp. It occurs in whitish masses, quite white when 
pure ; of a caustic taste ; rapidly absorbing water and becoming 
hydrated or slaked ; and also carbonic acid, and re-forming chalk. 
When two-thirds of its weight of water are poured upon it, it 
slakes rapidly with development of much heat, and is converted 
into a snow-white and very bulky powder. About 11 grains are 
dissolved by a pint of water at 60° Fah. ; it is less soluble in boil- 
ing water ; sugar greatly increases its solubility. The solution of 
lime has an alkaline reaction, and yields a white precipitate with 
oxalate of ammonia ; it soon absorbs carbonic acid if exposed to 
the air. Lime, if previously slaked, dissolves in dilute hydro- 
chloric acid without effervescence, and if this solution be evapo- 
rated to dryness, and the residue re-dissolved in water, only a 
very scanty precipitate forms on the addition of saccharated 
solution of lime. 

Off. Prep. Calcis Hydras. Slaked Lime. Recently pre- 
pared lime slaked with water. 

Liquor Calcis. Solution of lime ; Lime Water. (Slaked 
lime, two ounces ; distilled water, one hundred and sixty ounces. 
Keep the solution in stoppered glass vessels j and when it is to be 
used, draw off the clear solution with a syphon.) Ten fluid ounces 
require for neutralization at least twenty measures of the volu- 
metric solution of oxalic acid, which correspond to about five 
grains and a half of lime ; or about half a grain to the ounce. 

Liquor Calcis Saccharatus. Saccharated Solution of Lime. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Slaked lime, one ounce ; refined 



CEETA PEJEPAEATA. 71 

sugar, in powder, two ounces ; distilled water, twenty fluid 
ounces.) Sp. gr., 1*052. One fluid ounce requires for neutraliza- 
tion 25'4 measures of the standard solution of oxalic acid, which 
correspond to 7*11 grains of lime. 

Linimentum Calcis. Liniment of Lime. (Lime-water, olive 
oil, each, two fluid ounces ; shake them together until they are 
mixed.) [Solution of lime, 8 fl. ounces ; flax seed oil, 7 troy 
ounces. Mix them.] 

Lime forms also a part of Potassa cum Calce, not now officinal. 

Therapeutics. Lime is only given as liquor calcis, which acts 
as an antacid both on the intestinal canal, and, after absorption, 
on the blood and secretions. It differs, however, from potash and 
soda, in being astringent or desiccative, diminishing secretion, and 
hence is very useful in diarrhoea connected with acidity, and in 
some cases of dyspepsia • it has also been used in certain calcu- 
lous affections. Externally applied, lime acts as a caustic, or much 
diluted, as a desiccative, and is applied to burns in the form of 
linimentum calcis. 

Dose. Of liquor calcis, \ fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. or more, with milk, 
&c. ; of liquor calcis saccharatus, 15 min. to 1 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Lime and liquor calcis are apt to contain car- 
bonic acid and metallic impurities, which can be detected by the 
tests given above. 

Calcis Carbon as Praecipitata. Precipitated Carbonate of 
Lime. 

Prep. By precipitating a solution of chloride of calcium with 
carbonate of soda, collecting and drying at 212°. 

Prop. d? Comp. Ca 0, C0 2 . A white crystalline powder, in 
other respects corresponding with creta prasparata. 

Greta Pr»parata. Prepared Chalk. Chalk reduced to a very 
line powder and elutriated. 

Prop. <& Comp. In white powder, or small friable masses, 
tasteless, insoluble in water ; entirely soluble with effervescence, 
in dilute hydrochloric acid ; the solution is not precipitated by 
sulphuretted hydrogen, nor, after boiling, by ammonia added in 
excess ; saccharated solution of lime added to a neutral solution 
gives no or scarcely a trace of precipitate, indicating the absence 



72 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

of silica, common metallic impurities, alumina, or magnesia. Com- 
position (Ca 0, C0 2 ). 

Off. Prep. Mistura Cret^:. Chalk Mixture. (Prepared 
chalk, a quarter of an ounce ; gum arabic, in powder, a quarter 
of an ounce ; syrup, half a fluid ounce ; cinnamon water, seven 
fluid ounces and a half.) [Prepared chalk, half a troy ounce ; 
sugar, gum arabic, each, 120 grains ; cinnamon water, water, each, 
four fluid ounces. U. S.] 

Pulvis Creole Aromaticus. Aromatic Powder of Chalk. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 

Synonym. Confectio Aromatica. Zond. 

(Prepared chalk, one pound ; aromatic powder, three pounds.) 

Pulvis Cret^e Aromaticus cum Opio. Aromatic Powder of 
Chalk and Opium. (Aromatic powder of chalk, nine ounces and 
three-quarters ; opium in powder, a quarter of an ounce.) One 
grain of opium is contained in forty grains of this powder. 

Chalk is contained in hydrargyrum cum creta, and also in 
trochisci bismuthi. 

Therapeutics. Chalk acts as an antacid and astringent on the 
intestinal canal ; a little becomes absorbed and produces the re- 
mote effects of lime. It is used chiefly in diarrhoea, alone or com- 
bined with other astringents and aromatics. 

Dose. Of calcis carbonas praecipitata, and of creta prseparata, 
20 gr. to 60 gr. ; of mist, cretse, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of pulv. 
cretae aromaticus, \ drm. to 1 drm. ; of the pulvis cretas aromati- 
cus, cum opio, the dose depends on the amount of opium desirable 
to administer. 

Adulteration. The same for chalk as for lime, detected by the 
above tests. 

Calcii Chloridum. Chloride of Calcium. Appendix A. 

Prep. By dissolving white marble or chalk in hydrochloric 
acid, evaporating to dryness, afterwards fusing the salt at a dull 
red heat, and preserving it in well-closed bottles. 

Prop. & Comp. Chloride of calcium forms whitish crystalline 
semitransparent masses or fragments, with a bitter, acrid, saline 
taste, deliquescent, and very soluble in water, from which it can be 
crystallised ; insoluble in alcohol. Composition of the crystalline 



CALX CHLOEATA. 73 

salt (Ca CI + 6HO) ; of the fused salt prepared as directed in 
the Pharmacopoeia (Ca CI). 

y Therapeutics & Use. It is introduced into the Pharmacopoeia on 
account of the power it possesses of absorbing water, and is em- 
ployed in the preparation of chloroform, ether, &c. ; it is used also 
in the rectification of spirit. As a medicine, chloride of calcium 
acts upon the glandular system, and was formerly used in scrofula ; 
it also appears to possess the power of allaying certain forms of 
vomiting. 

Dose. 10 gr. and upwards. 

Off. Prep. Solution op Chloride op Calcium, Appendix B, 
contains one ounce of chloride of calcium to ten fluid ounces of 
distilled water. It is used as a test. 

Solution (Saturated) op Chloride op Calcium, also con- 
tained in Appendix B. (Chloride of calcium, three hundred and 
thirty-six grains ; distilled water, one fluid ounce.) 
Calx Chlorata. Chlorinated Lime. [Calx chlorinata. U. S.] 

Prep. By passing chlorine gas over hydrate of lime loosely 
spread out in a proper chamber or vessel until it is completely 
saturated. 

Prop. & Comp. A whitish powder, having the odour of chlorine 
and an acrid taste ; absorbs carbonic acid and water when exposed 
to the air, and at the same time gives off chlorine ; it is only partly 
soluble in water, the solution being alkaline, and possessing bleach- 
ing properties ; the addition of oxalic acid causes the rapid and 
copious evolution of chlorine, and the deposition of oxalate of 
lime. Composition, probably (Ca 0, CI 0), or a hypochlorite of 
lime • but besides this compound, free lime, chloride of calcium, 
&c, are present. Ten grains mixed with 30 grains of iodide of 
potassium, and dissolved in 4 fluid ounces of water, produce, when 
acidulated with 2 fluid drachms of hydrochloric acid, a reddish 
solution requiring for the discharge of its colour at least 85 meas- 
ures of the volumetric solution of hyposulphite of soda, which cor- 
responds to about 11 grains of iodine, or a little more than 3 
grains of chlorine. 

Off. Prep. Liquor Calcis Chlorate. Solution of Chlorinated 
Lime. (Not officinal in U. S. P.) (Chlorinated lime, one pound • 
distilled water, one hundred and sixty fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 1*035. 



74 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

One fluid drachm mixed with twenty grains of iodide of potas- 
sium dissolved in four fluid ounces of water, when acidulated with 
two fluid drachms of hydrochloric acid, gives a red solution requir- 
ing for the discharge of its colour forty-six measures of the volu- 
metric solution of hyposulphite of soda, equivalent to 1*62 grains 
of chlorine. 

Use. In the preparation of chloroform ; also as a disinfectant 
agent to evolve chlorine : is not often given internally, or used 
externally, chlorinated or chlorated soda being usually substituted 
for it. 

Calcis Fhosphas Prcecipitata. Precipitated Phosphate of 

Lime. 

Prep. By dissolving boue ash in hydrochloric acid, precipitat- 
ing the solution with ammonia, and drying at a temperature not 
exceeding 212°. 

Prop. <& Comp. A white powder insoluble in water, but 
soluble without effervescence in dilute nitric acid. The solution 
continues clear when an excess of acetate of soda is added to it, 
but lets fall a white precipitate on the addition of oxalate of am- 
monia, and perchloride of iron (oxalate of lime and phosphate of 
iron being respectively formed). Composition (3 Ca 0, PO). 
Ten grains dissolve without effervescence in dilute hydrochloric 
acid. The solution yields with ammonia a white precipitate 
(phosphate of lime), insoluble in boiling potash, and when washed 
and dried weighing ten grains : the absence of effervescence 
proves that no carbonate is present, and the weight of the pre- 
cipitate shows that the salt is pure. 

Off. Prep. (Contained in Pulvis Antimonialis.) 
Therapeutics . Scarcely given as a medicinal agent. 
Plaster of Paris. Appendix B. Native Sulphate of Lime 
(Ca O, S0 3 ). Deprived of water by heat. It is used for making 
a test solution. 
Off. Prep. Solution op Sulphate of Lime. Appendix B. 
A saturated solution of sulphate of lime. 

CERIUM. 

Some of the salts of cerium, a metal which exists in a few rare 
minerals, as cerite, have been made use of in medicine. The 



SULPHATE OF COPPER. 75 

oxide and the oxalate of cerium have been most frequently 
used, and occasionally the nitrate has been given. The cerium 
salts have been chiefly employed to allay vomiting, especially that 
which occurs in pregnancy, also in the vomiting of phthisis ; and in 
some cases of epilepsy accompanied with gastric disturbance. 
The dose of the preparations of cerium may be from 3 to 5 grs. 

COPPER. 

(Cu. Eq. = 31-75.) 
Cuprum. Copper. Appendix B. Copper, in the form of foil, 
thin and bright. 

Prop. & Use. Metallic copper has a well-known peculiar red 
colour ; sp. gr. 8*86 ; malleable and ductile ; oxidizable in the air, 
especially when in contact with acids, alkalies, or fatty bodies : it 
is employed to test the purity of hydrochloric acid ; it can also 
be used for the detection of silver, when put into a solution of a 
salt of silver ; the latter metal is deposited upon it as a white 
powder. Mercury would also be precipitated, but may be distin- 
guished from silver by its running into globules when rubbed. 
Copper is also employed in Reinsch's test for arsenic. 

Sulphate of Copper of Commerce. Appendix A. 
Cupri Sulphas. Sulphate of Copper (purified). 
Sulphate of Copper (Anhydrous). Appendix B. Sulphate of 
copper deprived of its water by heat. 

Prep. The native sulphuret of copper, called copper pyrites, 
when roasted with free access of air, oxidates, and forms the sul- 
phate ; the salt thus prepared, however, is very impure, containing, 
as the ore does, much iron, which, to a great extent, is removed by 
the process given in the Pharmacopoeia for its purification, namely, 
by dissolving the sulphate in boiling distilled water, filtering, and 
setting aside to crystallize. The Anhydrous Sulphate of Copper, 
deprived of its water by a heat of 400°, (Cu 0, S0 3 ) is a yellow- 
ish white powder, and is used only as a test. 

Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of copper forms oblique rhombic 
azure-blue crystals, with a styptic metallic taste ; efflorescing 
slightly in dry air ; soluble in water ; and reddening litmus. 
The aqueous solution gives a white precipitate with chloride of 
barium insoluble in hydrochloric acid, and a maroon-red precipi- 



76 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

tate with ferrocyanide of potassium ; it is also precipitated by 
ammonia, but re-dissolved in excess of the re-agent. Composition 
(Cu 0, S0 3 + 5 HO). A watery solution of the salt, to which 
twice its volume of the solution of chlorine has been added, when 
treated with an excess of ammonia, gives a clear sapphire-blue 
solution (from the formation of the ammonio-chloride), leaving 
nothing undissolved ; this shows the absence of iron. 

Therapeutics. Internally, in small doses, it is astringent to the 
alimentary canal ; and after absorption, a tonic to the nervous 
system. In large doses, a quick and powerful emetic. Externally 
in powder, or in strong solution, it acts as an eschar otic ; in a 
more diluted form as a stimulant and astringent. It is given as 
an astringent in cases of obstinate diarrhoea and dysentery, also 
as a tonic in chorea and epilepsy ; in some cases of narcotic 
poisoning, as an emetic. Externally it may be used to excessive 
granulations or ulcers, or to diminish excessive secretions from 
mucous membranes, as in ophthalmia, gleet, &c. 

Dose. As an astringent or tonic, \ gr. to 2 gr. ; as an emetic, 
5 gr. to 8 gr. Externally, in substance or in solution, from 1 gr. 
to 10 gr., or more to the fl. oz. 

Adulteration. Sulphate of iron in the commercial salt ; some- 
times sulphate of zinc is fraudulently added : the iron is detected 
by ammonia, not redissolving the oxide ; zinc, by first precipitat- 
ing the copper with sulphuretted hydrogen, then, on the addition 
of ammonia, some of the above gas being in solution, a whitish 
sulphuret of zinc is thrown down. 

Solution of Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper. Appendix B. 
Prep. (Sulphate of copper in crystals, half an ounce ; solution 
of ammonia, a sufficiency ; distilled water, a sufficiency. Dissolve 
the sulphate of copper in eight fluid ounces of the water, and to 
the solution add the ammonia until the precipitate first formed is 
nearly dissolved. Clear the solution by filtration, and then add 
distilled water, so that the bulk may be ten fluid ounces.) It is 
introduced as a test for the qualitative analysis of liquor ammonias 
fortior. Composition of the contained salt (Cu 0, S0 3 + 2 NH 3 , 
HO). [Cuprum ammoniatum U. S. is prepared by rubbing together 
in a mortar J an ounce of sulphate of copper with 360 grs. of 
carbonate of ammonia and drying with bibulous paper.] 



FEKKUM BED ACTUM. 77 

Subacetate of Copper of Commerce. Appendix B. Verdi- 
gris; iErugo. 

Prep, By exposing copper-plates to the action of the ferment- 
ing marc of grapes, or pyroligneous acid, when this salt forms on 
the surface. 

Prop. & Comp. In powder or masses consisting of very 
minute crystals, of a bluish-green colour, with a peculiar sour 
metallic odour, and styptic metallic taste ; resolved by water into 
a soluble acetate and insoluble tris-acetate ; when treated with 
sulphuric acid, it gives off acetic acid fumes ; it dissolves in 
this acid when dilute, and from the solution ammonia precipi- 
tates the oxide, but re-dissolves it when in excess. Composition 
(2 Cu 0, a + 6 HO). 

A solution of acetate of copper is used for detecting the pres- 
ence of butyric acid in valerianate of zinc. For this purpose 
the valerianate of zinc is distilled with sulphuric acid, and to the 
distillate the solution of copper is added ; if any butyric acid be 
present a bluish- white precipitate of butyrate of copper is pro- 
duced, but pure valerianic acid gives rise to no precipitate. 

Therapeutics. Yerdigris is used externally as an escharotic, 
in powder, or mixed with honey and vinegar, under the name 
of Linimentum iEruginis ; it should be applied with a camel's- 
hair brush. 

Adulteration. It sometimes contains chalk and sulphate of 
copper, detected by its effervescing with an acid, and by the solu- 
tion precipitating with ammonia and chloride of barium. Other 
impurities can be detected by the tests given above. 

FERR.TJM. IRON. 

(Fe. Eq.=28.) 

Iron Wire. Appendix A. 

Iron wire is used in the Pharmacopoeia for the formation of the 
iodide, the sulphate, and the granulated sulphate ; and when thus 
employed, should be soft or wrought iron, which is flexible and 
non-resilient. 
Ferrum Redactum. Reduced Iron. Metallic Iron in powder. 

Synonym. Ferri Pulvis. Dub. Fer reduit. 

Prep. Ordered to be made by reducing the peroxide of iron 



78 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

to the metallic state, by heating it in a gun-barrel in a furnace, 
and passing through it hydrogen gas, previously rendered dry by 
having passed over sulphuric acid and chloride of calcium. 

Prop. & Comp. An impalpable powder, of a steel-grey colour, 
strongly attracted by the magnet, and exhibiting metallic streaks 
when rubbed with firm pressure in a mortar ; it is soluble in 
dilute hydrochloric acid, with effervescence from the evolution of 
hydrogen, and the solution gives a light-blue precipitate with the 
ferridcyanide of potassium ; it oxidizes when exposed to damp air : 
it should be pure iron, but it usually contains some magnetic oxide 
and a little sulphuret of iron. Ten grains added to an aqueous 
solution of 50 grains of iodine and 50 grains of iodide of potas- 
sium, and digested with them in a small flask at a gentle heat, 
leave not 'more than 5 grains undissolved, and this should be 
entirely soluble in hydrochloric acid : this test indicates that at 
least one-half of the powder is metallic iron, as the magnetic 
oxide is not dissolved by the iodine solution. 

Therapeutics. Eeduced iron may be given when we desire the 
blood-restoring properties of the metal without any astringent 
action. It is a powerful haematinic even in small doses. It usu- 
ally sits easily on the stomach ; but occasionally annoys by caus- 
ing the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen. 

Dose. Of reduced iron, 2 gr. to 6 gr. It may be taken with 
advantage with a meal. 

Adulteration. Reduced iron is very apt to contain some sul- 
phuret, from a subsulphate being thrown down with the oxide. 
Occasionally magnetic oxide has been mixed with or substituted 
for the reduced metal ; the former impurity can be detected by 
the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen when an acid is added ; 
the latter by the want of effervescence or non-evolution of hydro- 
gen, and the quantitative test above given. 

Ferri Carbonas Saccharata. Saccharated Carbonate of Iron. 
[Not officinal in U. S. Ph.] 

Prep. Made by decomposing a solution of the sulphate of 
iron, by means of carbonate of soda, collecting the precipitated 
carbonate on a filter, and having first subjected it to expression, 
rubbing it with sugar in a porcelain mortar, and drying at a tem- 
perature not exceeding 212°. 



FEEEI CAEBONAS SACCHAEATA. 79 

Prop. & Comp. The saccharated carbonate of iron consists of 
carbonate of iron (Fe 0, C0 2 ), mixed with peroxide of iron and 
sugar ; the carbonate should form at least 57 per cent, of the 
mixture. It occurs in small lumps of a grey-brown colour, and a 
sweet chalybeate taste, and dissolves with effervescence in warm 
hydrochloric acid diluted with half its volume of water, and this 
solution is but slightly affected by the ferrocyanide, but gives a 
copious blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, show- 
ing that the salt of iron is mostly in the state of protoxide. Its 
solution in hydrochloric acid gives but a very slight precipitate 
with chloride of barium. 

Twenty grains dissolved in excess of hydrochloric acid and 
diluted with water continue to give a blue precipitate with the 
ferridcyanide of potassium, until at least 33 measures of the volu- 
metric solution of bichromate of potash have been added, indicat- 
ing that 5 "6 grains of protoxide are present. 

Off. Prep. Mistura Ferri Composita. Compound mixture of 
Iron. (Powdered myrrh, sixty grains ; carbonate of potash, 
twenty-five grains ; rose-water, eight fluid ounces ; sulphate of 
iron, thirty grains ; spirit of nutmeg, one fluid drachm ; sugar, sixty 
grains. Rub the myrrh with the spirit of nutmeg and the carbon- 
ate of potash : to these, while rubbing, add first the rose-water, 
with the sugar, then the sulphate. Put the mixture immediately 
into a glass vessel, and stop it.) 

Pilula Ferri Carbon atis. Pill of Carbonate of Iron. (Sac- 
charated carbonate of iron, one ounce ; confection of roses, a quar- 
ter of an ounce. [U. S. Recently precipitated Carbonate of Iron 
made into a pill mass with clarified honey and sugar.] [U. S. 
Pilulse Ferri Composite. Compound Pills of Iron. Myrrh, 120 
grains ; carbonate of soda, sulphate of iron, each sixty grains ; 
made into a mass with syrup and divided into 80 pills.] 

therapeutics. The carbonate of iron in any of the above prepa- 
rations has the properties of iron before noticed. (See also Part II.) 
The carbonate is not astringent, and produces little or no action 
upon the mucous membranes of the alimentary canal. It has en- 
joyed great repute in the form of mist, ferri comp., or Griffiths's 
mixture, as it was called, in the treatment of anasmic amenorrhoea. 

Dose. Of ferri carbonas saccharata, 5 gr. to 20 gr. or more ; of 



80 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

mist, ferri comp., 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of pil. ferri carbonatis, 5 gr. 
to 20 gr. or more. [Of the compound pills of iron, one or two 
three times a day.] When the mixture has been kept many days, 
it becomes reddish-brown in colour, from the green carbonate being 
converted into the sesquioxide of iron. The sugar in the other 
two preparations preserves the salt from oxidation. 

Ferri Iodidum. Iodide of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. Made by dissolving iron wire and iodine in water with 
the aid of heat, and evaporating and allowing the product to 
solidify. 

Prop. & Comp. Iodide of iron is crystalline ; of a green colour, 
with a tinge of brown ; when heated, it gives off violet vapours ; 
very deliquescent • forms at first a greenish solution in water, 
which rapidly decomposes into free iodine and peroxide of iron : 
if an iron wire is kept in the solution, the strength remains the 
same, for, as the iodine becomes free, it dissolves the metallic iron 
and again forms the iodide. Formula, Fe I + 4 HO. ' It gives a 
copious blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, and 
one of similar colour with mucilage of starch, on the addition of a 
minute quantity of chlorine. It is almost entirely soluble in water, 
leaving but a very small quantity of red sediment. 

Off. Prep. Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. Syrup of Iodide of Iron. 
(Iodine, two ounces ; iron, drawn into wire, one ounce j distilled 
water, thirteen fluid ounces, or as much as may be necessary ; 
sugar, twenty-eight ounces. Mix the iodine and iron with three 
ounces of water and heat until the froth becomes white, then filter 
the liquid while still hot into the syrup which has been previously 
prepared by dissolving the sugar in ten ounces of water, and mix. 
The product should weigh two pounds eleven ounces, and should 
have the sp. gr. 1*385.) 

Each fluid drachm of the syrup contains four grains and a-half 
of iodide of iron. [Made according to the U. S. P. r a fluid drachm 
of the syrup contains about 7J gr. of iodide of iron.] 

Pilula Ferri Iodidi. Pill of Iodide of Iron. (Fine iron wire, 
forty grains : iodine, eighty grains ; refined sugar, in powder, 
seventy grains • liquorice root, in powder, one hundred and forty 
grains • distilled water, fifty minims. Agitate the iron with the 
iodine and water in a strong stoppered ounce phial, until the froth 



FEEEI SULPHAS GEAKTJLATA. 81 

becomes white. Pour the fluid upon the sugar in a mortar, tritu- 
rate briskly, and gradually add the liquorice.) One grain of 
iodide of iron is contained in about two grains and a-half of the 
pill. [In the U. S. P. the liquorice powder is replaced by marsh 
mallow and gum arabic powder, and the mass divided into pills 
containing each a grain of the iodide of iron.] 

Therapeutics. Iodide of iron possesses the valuable properties 
of the ferruginous salts, in addition to those of iodine ; it is pecu- 
liarly applicable to the treatment of scrofulous diseases in cachec- 
tic subjects requiring iron ; it should be remembered that the pro- 
portion of iron to iodide is small, only as 1 to 4J. 

Dose. Of iodide of iron, 1 gr. to 5 gr. or more. Of the syrup 
(containing about 4^ gr. of iodide of iron to 1 fl. drm.), 20 min. to 
1 fl. drm. [Of the syrup of the U. S. P., from 15 to 30 minims.] 
Of the pill, 2-J gr. to 8 gr. or more. 

Ferri Sulphas. Sulphate of Iron. 

Ferri Sulphas Exsiccata. Dried Sulphate of Iron. 

Ferri Sulphas Granulata. Granulated Sulphate of Iron. [Not 
officinal in the U. S. P.] 

Prep. Sulphate of Iron is made by dissolving iron wire in sul- 
phuric acid, and crystallizing the solution ; the Dried Sulphate of 
Iron by exposing these crystals to a moderate heat for some time, 
and finally raising it to 400°, when the water is driven off ; and 
the Granulated Sulphate is made by pouring the hot solution of 
sulphate of iron into rectified spirit, and stirring the mixture, so 
that the salt shall separate in minute granular crystals. 

Prop. & Comp. Pure sulphate of iron crystallizes in light 
bluish-green rhomboidal prisms, having an astringent styptic taste ; 
composition (Fe 0, S0 3 + 7 HO) ; it dissolves in about 1£ times 
its weight of cold water ; is insoluble in alcohol ; it generally 
contains a little persalt ; the solution, when exposed, gradually 
becomes turbid, depositing a reddish-brown sediment of the perox- 
ide ; it gives a white precipitate with chloride of barium, and a 
nearly white one with ferridcyanide of potassium. The crystals 
should be free from opaque rust-coloured spots, and dissolve in 
water without leaving any ochry residue. The aqueous solution 
gives no precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen. The granulated 
7 



82 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

sulphate occurs in small granular crystals, and has the composition 
and properties of the ordinary sulphate. Dried sulphate of iron 
forms a whitish powder, and has the formula, Fe 0, S0 3 + HO, as 
one equivalent of water is retained at all temperatures below 
500° Fah. 

Off. Prep. Solution of Sulphate of Iron. Appendix B. 
(Granulated sulphate of iron, ten grains ; boiling distilled water, 
one ounce.) Used as a test. Sulphate of iron is also used in the 
preparation of mist, ferri comp. ; but in this preparation the car- 
bonate of iron is formed. 

Therapeutics. The same as iron salts in general, but in addi- 
tion it has a powerful astringent action. It may be employed 
when an astringent is required with iron, as in passive haemor- 
rhages and mucous discharges. It may also be used externally 
for its constricting powers. 

Dose. Of the sulphate or granulated sulphate 2 gr. to 10 gr., 
in pill or solution recently prepared. Of the dried sulphate from 
1 gr. to 5 gr. may be administered. As a medicinal agent, the 
granulated sulphate has no peculiar advantages, except that it is 
much less liable to become oxidized than the common sulphate. 

Incompatibles. None of the soluble iron preparations should 
be given with vegetable infusions or tinctures containing tannin 
or gallic acids, as inky compounds are then formed, which, though 
efficient as medicines, are not agreeable to the patient. 

Ferri Arsenias. Arseniate of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. Made by precipitating a mixed solution of arseniate of 
soda (four parts) and acetate of soda (three parts) by a solution 
(of nine parts) of sulphate of iron ; collecting and washing the 
precipitate. It should be dried by squeezing it in folds of linen in 
a screw-press, and afterwards exposing it on porous bricks in a 
warm-air chamber, whose temperature should not exceed 100°. 

Prop. & Com/p. Arseniate of iron is a tasteless amorphous pow- 
der, of a green colour, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in hy- 
drochloric acid. It consists of arseniate of iron (3 Fe O, As0 5 ) 
partially oxidated. Its solution gives a precipitate both with ferro- 
and ferridcyanide of potassium. A small quantity boiled with an 
excess of caustic soda and filtered, gives, when exactly neutralized 



FEREI PHOSPHAS. 83 

by nitric acid, a brick-red precipitate on the addition of a solution 
of nitrate of silver (arseniate of silver). The solution in hydro- 
chloric acid when diluted gives no precipitate with chloride of 
barium (absence of sulphate). 

Twenty grains, dissolved in excess of hydrochloric acid diluted 
with water, continue to give a blue precipitate with the ferrid- 
cyanide of potassium, until at least 17 measures of the volumetric 
solution of bichromate of potash have been added, corresponding 
to 2*8 grains of protoxide of iron. In this quantitative test, the 
protoxide of iron is converted into the peroxide, by the action of 
the bichromate of potash, and the solution ceases to strike a blue 
colour with the ferridcyanide of potassium when this conversion is 
complete. One equivalent of bichromate of potash is capable of 
converting 6 equivalents of iron from the state of a protosalt to 
that of a persalt. One hundred measures of the volumetric solu- 
tion contain ^ of an equivalent in grains of the bichromate, and 
are capable therefore of converting -jV of 6 equivalents of iron 
from protoxide to peroxide. 

Therapeutics. Arseniate of iron possesses the therapeutic prop- 
erties of arsenic and iron, and is useful in the treatment of certain 
skin diseases occurring in anaemic states of the system. 

Dose. T V to \ gr. 
Ferri Phosphas. Phosphate of Iron. 

Prep. In the same manner as the arseniate of iron, phosphate 
of soda being made use of in the place of arseniate of soda. (Sul- 
phate of iron, three parts ; phosphate of soda, two parts and a-half ; 
acetate of soda, one part.) [Sulphate of iron, five parts ; phos- 
phate of soda, six parts. U. S.] 

Prop. & Comp. The composition of the fresh salt is repre- 
sented by the formula, 3 Fe 0, P0 5 , but it becomes partially perox- 
idated by keeping. It is a slate-blue amorphous powder, insoluble 
in water. Soluble in hydrochloric acid ; the solution precipitates 
both with ferrocyanide and ferridcyanide of potassium, more 
abundantly with the latter (showing that both proto- and per-salt 
are present) ; when treated with tartaric acid and an excess of 
ammonia, and subsequently with the solution of ammonio-sulphate 
of magnesia, it lets fall a crystalline precipitate (indicating phos- 



84 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

phoric acid). If digested in hydrochloric acid with a lamina of 
pure copper, a dark deposit does not form on the metal (absence 
of arsenic). 

Off. Prep. Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis. Syrup of Phosphate 
of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P]. (Phosphate of Iron is pre- 
pared by precipitating a solution of two hundred and twenty-four 
grains of granulated sulphate of iron with a mixture of two hun- 
dred grains of phosphate, and seventy-four grains of acetate of 
soda, the precipitate is pressed strongly between folds of bibulous 
paper, and five fluid ounces and a-half of dilute phosphoric acid 
added ; as soon as the precipitate is dissolved the solution is 
filtered ; and the sugar added and dissolved without heat.) 

One grain of the iron salt is contained in each fluid drachm of 
the syrup. 

Therapeutics. The blue phosphate of iron was much used by 
the late Dr. Prout in the treatment of diabetes. It acts as a blood- 
restorer like the other preparations of iron, and has been recom- 
mended also in the treatment of rickets. The syrup is an agree- 
able form for its administration. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 10 gr. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm., and upwards. 

Ferri Oxidum Magneticum. Magnetic Oxide of Iron. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 

Synonym. Ferri Oxidum Nigrum. Edin. 

Prep. By dissolving two parts of sulphate of iron in water 
acidulated with sulphuric acid, and boiling this mixture with a 
little nitric acid, until on the sudden disengagement of ruddy va- 
pours the liquid passes from a dark to a red colour ; a solution of 
one part of sulphate of iron is then added, and subsequently a so- 
lution of soda : the whole boiled for a few minutes, the precipitate 
collected on a calico filter, washed and dried without heat in a 
confined portion of air over a capsule containing sulphuric acid. 

In this process two parts of the sulphate of the protoxide are 
converted into a persalt by boiling with nitric acid, and to these 
one part of the, solution of protoxide is added ; so that on the ad- 
dition of soda a mixture of peroxide and protoxide of iron is pre- 
cipitated. 

Prop. & Comp. Peroxide of iron (Fe 2 3 ), with about 9 per 



FERRI PEROXIDUM. 85 

cent, of the protoxide (Fe 0), and 22 of water. It is a brownish- 
black powder, without taste, strongly magnetic, dissolves without 
effervescence in hydrochloric acid diluted with half its bulk of 
water, and this solution gives blue precipitates with the ferrocy- 
anide, and the ferridcyanide of potassium. Twenty grains, moist- 
ened with nitric acid, and calcined at a low red heat, leave 15*8 
grains of the peroxide of iron ; the same quantity dissolved in 
hydrochloric acid continues to give a blue precipitate with the 
ferridcyanide of potassium, until 8*3 measures of the volumetric 
solution of bichromate of potash have been added, indicating about 
1*4 grains of protoxide. 

Therapeutics. It may be used for the same purposes as reduced 
iron ; it is a cheaper preparation, but probably mucli less effectual. 

Dose. 3 gr. to 5 gr., or more. 

Ferri Peroxidum. Peroxide of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. By drying the hydrated peroxide of iron, and reducing 
it to powder. 

Prop. & Comp. A dark-brown powder, insoluble in water, but 
soluble in hydrochloric acid ; diluted with half its volume of water, 
it forms a solution which gives a copious blue precipitate with 
ferrocyanide of potassium. The solution should give no precipi- 
tate with chloride of barium or with the ferridcyanide of potas- 
sium. Composition (Fe 2 3 ). It is often calcined to improve its 
colour, but this process injures it by diminishing the solubility. 

Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ferri. Plaster of Iron. (Peroxide 
of iron, in fine powder, one ounce ; Burgundy pitch, two ounces ; 
litharge plaster, eight ounces). 

Therapeutics. It is a non-irritating preparation of iron, and is 
useful when it is desirable to continue the use of iron for a long 
time, or to give it in large doses ; it has been much administered 
in tic douloureux and other neuralgic affections. As an external 
application its value is very questionable. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr., or more, in treacle or honey. 

[Ferri sub carbonas, U. S. Made by precipitating a solution of 
the sulphate of iron with the carbonate of soda. In drying nearly 



86 MATERIA MEI>ICA. 

all the carbonate is changed into peroxide. The effects and the 
dose are the same as in the preceding preparation.] 

Ferri Peroxidum Hydratum. Hydrated Peroxide of Iron. 

Prep. Made by precipitating a solution of persulphate of iron 
with soda, collecting the precipitate on a calico filter, and preserv- 
ing it, without drying, in a well-covered vessel. [In the U. S. P., 
ammonia is used to precipitate the iron and the washed precipi- 
tate is kept under water.] 

Prop, dfc Comp. Hydrated peroxide of iron (2 Fe 2 3 HO) ? 
with a variable amount of uncombined water. It is a pasty mass 
of reddish-brown colour, dissolving readily in hydrochloric acid, 
giving a copious blue precipitate with ferrocyanide of potassium. 
It is free from grittiness, and leaves on calcination about 12 per 
cent, of peroxide of iron. 

Therapeutics. The hydrated peroxide is not given internally 
to produce the general effects of iron on the system, but has been 
used as an antidote in cases of arsenical poisoning. It is capable 
of converting arsenious acid, the form in which the poison is 
usually taken, into an insoluble arseniate of iron (2 Fe 2 3 + As 
3 =4FeO + As0 5 ). 

Ferri Perchloridi Liquor. Solution of Perchloride of Iron. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. Made by dissolving iron wire in hydrochloric acid, and 
subsequently peroxidising the iron by evaporating the solution 
with nitric acid, and afterwards diluting with water to the proper 
strength. 

Prop, dk Comp. Perchloride of iron in solution in water 
(Fe 2 Cl 3 ). It forms an orange-brown solution, with a strong 
styptic taste ; miscible with water and alcohol in all proportions. 
Diluted with water, it is precipitated white by chloride of barium, 
and blue by the ferrocyanide of potassium. Sp. gr. 1*338. A 
fluid drachm diluted with water, and precipitated with ammonia, 
yields a precipitate (peroxide of iron), which when washed and 
incinerated weighs 15*62 grs., indicating the presence of 31*728 
grains of perchloride of iron in the fluid drachm. 

Of. Prep. Tinctura Ferri Perchlorim. Tincture of Per- 
chloride of Iron. (Solution of perchloride of Iron, five fluid 



SOLUTION OF PERSULPHATE OF IRON. 87 

ounces ; rectified spirit, fifteen fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 0*992. The 
tincture has one-fourth the strength of Tinctura Ferri Sesquichlo- 
ridi. Dub. [Tinct. Ferri Chloridi. Tincture of the Chloride of 
Iron. U. S. Sp. gr. 0*990.] 

Therapeutics. A most powerful astringent ferruginous prepara- 
tion useful in passive haemorrhages and other discharges. Seldom 
given simply as a blood-restorer. 

Dose. Of the solution, 3 min. to 16 min. ; of the tincture, 10 
min. to 40 min. or more. 

Ferri Pernitratis Liquor. Solution of Pernitrate of Iron. 
[Liquor Ferri Nitratis. Solution of Nitrate of Iron. U. S.] » 

Prep. By dissolving iron wire in nitric acid and diluting to 
the proper strength. One ounce of iron wire with three fluid 
ounces of nitric acid are used in preparing thirty ounces of the 
solution. 

Prop. & Comp. A clear solution of reddish-brown colour, 
slightly acid and astringent to the taste. It contains the per- 
nitrate of iron (Fe 2 3 , 3 N0 5 ) in solution in water. It gives a 
precipitate with the ferrocyanide, but not with the ferridcyanide 
of potassium. When to a little of it in a test tube half its volume 
of pure sulphuric acid is added, and then a solution of sulphate of 
iron is poured in, the whole assumes a dark-brown colour, show- 
ing the presence of nitric acid in the solution. Sp. gr. 1*107. 
[1*106 to 1*107. U. S.] One fluid drachm precipitated with am- 
monia yields 2*6 grains of peroxide, corresponding to 7*865 grains 
of pernitrate of iron. 

Therapeutics. A powerful astringent tonic, and useful in the 
same cases as the perchloride. It has been much used in Dublin, 
and is recommended in some forms of diarrhoea in debilitated sub- 
jects, and in passive mucous discharges. 

Dose. 30 min. to 1 fl. drm. 

Solution of Persulphate of Iron. Appendix A. 

[Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis. Solution of Tersulphate of Iron. U.S.] 

Prep. By boiling a solution of protosulphate of iron and sul- 
phuric acid with nitric acid, until all the proto- is converted into a 
per-sulphate. 



88 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Prop. & Comp. It forms a solution of a dark-red color, which 
exhibits the reactions of the persalts of iron. Sp. gr. 1*441. One 
fluid drachm yields with ammonia 11*44 grains of peroxide of 
iron. 

Use. It is used in preparing other ferruginous salts, and is not 
given as a remedy. It would be highly astringent. 

[Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis. Solution of Sub-sub-sulphate of 
Iron. Solution of persulphate of iron. Monsel's solution. U. S. 

A troy ounce and thirty grains of sulphuric ; a troy ounce and 
three hundred grains of nitric acid ; and half a pint of distilled 
water are heated to the boiling point. Twelve ounces of sulphate 
of iron in powder is gradually added, and the whole is boiled 
until nitrous vapours are no longer perceptible and the colour is a 
deep ruby-red ; water is added to make it measure twelve fluid 
ounces. An inodorous, syrupy fluid of a ruby-red colour, and an 
intensely astringent taste. Sp. gr. 1*552. 

A very powerful astringent, applied either diluted or of full 
strength. Given internally likewise as an astringent in doses 
of from 3 to 10 minims.] 

Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum. Ammonio-Chloride of Iron. 
Not officinal. 
Prep. Made by forming a perchloride of iron by dissolving 
the peroxide in hydrochloric acid, then adding hydrochlorate of 
ammonia in solution in water, evaporating to dryness, and after- 
wards rubbing the saline mass to powder. 

Prop, and Comp. It occurs in small orange pulverulent grains 
of hydrochlorate of ammonia stained with the sesquichloride of 
iron, and is not a true chemical compound ; soluble in proof spirit 
and water ; and 100 grains of the salt made according to the 
London Pharmacopoeia of 1851 contain about 15 grains of per- 
chloride of iron, the remainder being hydrochlorate of ammonia. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-Chloridi. Tincture of 
Ammonio-Chloride of Iron. Lond. 1851. (Ammonio-chloride of 
iron, four ounces and one hundred and seventy grains ; proof 
spirit, and distilled water, each half a pint. Dissolve and strain.) 
An ounce of this tincture, on the addition of potash, should yield 
5*8 grains of sesquioxide of iron. 

Therapeutics. As three-fourths of the weight of the amraonio- 



FERRI ET AMMONITE CITRAS. 89 

chloride of iron is sal ammoniac, it may be regarded as a prepara- 
tion of this latter salt, equally as one of iron. It may be given as 
an alterative as well as a tonic and astringent. 

Dose. Of the salt, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of the tincture, 10 min. to 
J fl. drm. 

Ferri et Ammonise Citras. Ammonio-Citrate of Iron. 

Prep. The hydrated peroxide recently precipitated from the 
solution of the persulphate by means of ammonia is dissolved in a 
solution of citric acid by the aid of heat, the liquid neutralized by 
the addition of ammonia, and then evaporated to dryness in thin 
layers on flat porcelain or glass plates. 

Prop. & Comp. It is not crystalline, but dries in garnet or 
hyacinth-red transparent scales ; soluble in water, and forming a 
neutral solution of a sweet and very light styptic taste. When 
incinerated with exposure to air it leaves 26*5 per cent, of per- 
oxide of iron ; heated with solution of soda, it evolves ammonia • 
when acidulated with hydrochloric acid it gives a copious precipi- 
tate with ferrocyanide of potassium, but none with the ferrid- 
cyanide. Its composition is not well known ; it contains, however, 
citrate of iron and ammonia : probable formula (Fe 2 3 , NH 4 0, 
HO, C 12 H 5 O n + 2HO). • 

Therapeutics. As a blood-restorer it is a very effectual salt, 
and it possesses scarcely any astringency ; it may often be given . 
when the stomach will not bear the more styptic preparations of 
iron. 

Dose. 5 gr. and upwards. 

Incompatibles. Tannin solutions strike black ; caustic alkalies 
precipitate the oxide. 

[Ferri et Ammoniae Sulphas. Sulphate of Iron and Ammonia. 
Ammonio Ferric Alum. U. S. Made by adding sulphate of am- 
monia to solution of tersulphate of iron and crystallizing. 

In beautiful violet-tinted crystals. A good astringent and used 
as such in doses of from 3 to 6 grains.] 

[Ferri et Ammonise Tartras. Tartrate of Iron and Ammonia. 
U. S. Prepared by adding recently precipitated hydrated per- 
oxide of iron to a solution of bitartrate of ammonia, and evaporat- 
ing. It occurs in transparent garnet-red scales of a saccharine 



90 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

taste, and very soluble in water. It has little or no astringency, 
and may be given in doses of from 5 to 10 grains.] 

Ferrum Tartaratum. Tartarated Iron ; Tartarate of Iron and 
Potash. 

Synonym. Ferri Potassio-Tartras (Lond. 1851). [Ferri et 
Potassse Tartras. U. S.] 

Prep. This is prepared by mixing the recently precipitated 
hydrated peroxide of iron with a solution of acid tartrate of pot- 
ash, and digesting the mixture with repeated stirring for six hours? 
the temperature being always kept below 140°. The solution is 
afterwards allowed to cool, any undissolved precipitate removed, 
and the fluid poured in a thin layer on flat glass or porcelain 
plates, and evaporated to dryness at a temperature not exceed- 
ing 140°. ■-'? 

Prop. & Comp. As usually prepared, it forms garnet scales, 
having the physical characters of the ammonio-citrate ; sparingly 
soluble in spirit ; soluble in water, the solution is neutral : when 
acidulated with hydrochloric acid, it gives a copious blue preci- 
pitate with ferrocyanide of potassium, none with ferridcyanide. 
Boiled with a solution of soda, peroxide of iron separates, but no 
ammonia is evolved, and the filtered solution, when slightly acidu- 
lated by hydrochloric acid, gives as it cools a crystalline deposit 
(bitartrate of potash). Fifty grains incinerated at a red heat, 
the residue treated with hydrochloric acid, and after digesting 
with a little nitric acid, diluted with 4 fluid ounces of water, yields 
when super-saturated with ammonia 14*92 grains of peroxide of 
iron. 

Off. Prep. Vinum Ferri. Iron Wine ; Steel Wine. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Tartarated iron, one hundred and sixty 
grains ; sherry, twenty fluid ounces). Each fluid drachm contains 
one grain of the salt. 

Therapeutics. The action of the tartarated iron is exactly sim- 
ilar to that of the ammonio-citrate • it can be prescribed with alka- 
line preparations. 

Pose. Of the salt, 5 gr. to 20 gr. Of iron wine, from 1 fl. 
drm. upwards for children, \ fl. oz. and upwards for adults. 

Ferri et Quiniae Citras. Citrate of Iron and Quinia. 



FEEEI ET QUELLE CITE AS. 91 

Prep. A mixture of the freshly precipitated peroxide and prot- 
oxide of iron (prepared by precipitating a solution of the persul- 
phate and protosulphate of iron by means of soda) is dissolved in 
a solution of citric acid, and to this is added quinia (prepared by 
dissolving sulphate of quinia by the aid of a little hydrochloric 
acid in water, removing the sulphuric acid by means of chloride of 
barium, and precipitating the quinia by ammonia), and the liquid 
digested on a water bath till the alkaloid is dissolved. It is then 
evaporated in thin layers on porcelain or glass plates, in the man- 
ner directed for the ammonio-citrate. 

Prop. & Comp. It occurs in thin scales of a golden-yellow 
colour, deliquescent, entirely soluble in cold water. The solution 
is slightly acid, and is precipitated reddish-brown by solution of 
soda, white by solution of ammonia, blue by the ferrocyanide and 
by the ferridcyanide of potassium, and greyish black by tannic 
acid. 

Taste bitter and chalybeate. "When completely burned with 
exposure to air, it leaves a residue which yields nothing to water 
(peroxide of iron). Fifty grains dissolved in 1 fluid ounce of 
water, and treated with a slight excess of ammonia, yield a pre- 
cipitate of quinia, weighing when dried 8 grains. The precipitate 
is entirely soluble in ether, when burned leaves no residue, and 
when dissolved in a dilute acid and purified with a little animal 
charcoal yields a solution which turns the plane of polarisation 
strongly to the left. This test determines the amount, nature, 
and purity of the alkaloid. The salt contains citrate of the 
proto- and peroxides of iron united with citrate of quinia, and the 
amount of the alkaloid estimated as citrate of quinia is 25 per 
cent. 

Therapeutics. This salt possesses the combined properties of 
both iron and quinine. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. 

Adulterations. Deficiency of quinia, and substitution of cincho- 
nia, &c, indicated by above tests. 



92 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



HYDRARGYRUM. MERCURY. 

(Hg. Eq.=100.) 
Hydrargyrum. Mercury; Quicksilver. 

Prep. Mercury is obtained chiefly from its sulphuret, native 
cinnabar, by distillation with iron ; sometimes it is met with in its 
metallic state, sometimes combined with chlorine, <fcc. Mercury 
of Commerce, Appendix A, is ordered to be purified by redistilla- 
tion and washing with dilute hydrochloric acid. 

Prop. & Cortvp. When pure, mercury occurs as a brilliant white 
metallic liquid, becoming solid at -39° Fah. ; sp. gr. 13*5 ; en- 
tirely vaporized by heat ; and when small globules of it are rolled 
slowly upon a sheet of paper, not the least particle adheres ; above 
40° Fah. a slight vapour arises from it. It forms two classes of 
salts, pro to- and persalts. It dissolves many metals, as tin, bis- 
muth, zinc, silver, and gold, and forms amalgams with them. 

Off. Prep. Liquid mercury is seldom used in medicine, but 
there are many preparations which owe their value to the presence 
of mercury in a very highly divided state, caused by long tritura- 
tion with saccharine and greasy matters, or fine powders. 

Hydrargyrum cum Creta. Mercury with Chalk. (Mercury, 
one ounce ; prepared chalk, two ounces. [Mercury, three ounces ; 
prepared chalk, five ounces. U. S.] Rub together until globules 
are no longer visible.) 

Pilula Hydrargyri. Mercurial Pill. (Mercury, two ounces ; 
confection of roses, three ounces ; powdered liquorice root, one 
ounce. Rub the mercury with the confection until globules can 
no longer be seen ; then, the liquorice being added, beat the whole 
together to form a mass.) 

Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Mercurial Plaster. (Mercury, 
three ounces ; olive oil, one fluid ounce ; resin, one ounce ; litharge 
plaster, six ounces. Melt the oil and resin, rub the mercury till 
globules disappear, then add the litharge plaster, previously liqui- 
fied.) 

Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. Ammoniac and 
Mercury Plaster. (Gum ammoniac, twelve ounces ; mercury, three 
ounces ; olive oil, one fluid drachm ; sulphur, eight grains.) 



HYDKAKGYKUM. 93 

Unguentum HydrarGyri. Mercurial Ointment. (Mercury, 
one pound ; prepared lard, one pound ; prepared suet, one ounce. 
[Mercury, twenty-four ounces ; lard, suet, each twelve ounces. 
U. S.] Rubbed together thoroughly.) 

Linimentum Hydrargyri. Liniment of Mercury. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of mercury, one ounce ; solution of 
ammonia, and liniment of camphor, each one fluid ounce.) 

Therapeutics. Liquid mercury, when taken into the stomach, 
appears to possess no action on the economy, and very large quan- 
tities, even pounds, have at times been swallowed without any par- 
ticular symptoms being produced ; now and then, however, the 
full effects of the metal have ensued, probably owing to partial 
oxidation and absorption. The vapour of mercury acts with great 
energy, as seen in the effects on artificers exposed to its influence ; 
the same results may be produced by rubbing mercury in a very 
highly divided state upon the surface of the body, or taking it 
internally in a state of minute subdivision. Given in small doses, 
the first effects of mercurials are observed in the increase of vari- 
ous secretions ; and hence sialagogue, cholagogue, diuretic, emmen- 
agogue, and other properties have been ascribed to this mineral. 
Its sialagogue power is shown in the increase of the salivary fluid, 
and mucous secretions of the mouth, together with a peculiar con- 
dition of the gums and neighbouring parts ; and as these are 
amongst the first, most constant, and most peculiar of the effects of 
mercurials, they are generally taken as guides during the adminis- 
tration of the drug, as to the propriety of increasing or diminish- 
ing the dose. The sialagogue effects are seldom desired for them- 
selves. 

The cholagogue and purgative action of mercurials is exhibited 
in the increase of the colouring matter and other principles of the 
bile in the evacuations from the bowels, which are at the same 
time more liquid in character from an excessive secretion from 
various other secreting glands, as the pancreas, and mucous mem- 
brane of the intestinal canal. The secretions of the kidneys are 
not unfrequently augmented, also the action of the skin, and occa- 
sionally the catamenial discharge ; it seems probable, however, 
that many of these latter effects are not so much due to the direct 
action of the remedy on the secreting organs, as to the relief of 
certain morbid conditions of the system, which had given rise to 



94 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the imperfect performance of these functions. Mercurials cause 
also the absorption of morbid fluids, either from increasing the 
activity of the absorbent system, or preventing deposition. In 
whatever way mercury is administered it becomes absorbed into 
the blood, where it has been detected ; and its presence has also 
been demonstrated in the milk, urine, saliva, sweat, bile, pus from 
ulcers ; and in the various tissues of the body, as the bones, brain, 
serous and synovial membranes, cellular tissue, and lungs. Its 
action on the blood is not well made out ; it diminishes the amount 
of globules, and has some influence on the quantity and quality of 
the fibrine. Mercurials are employed in the treatment of various 
diseases, among which the following are the most important. 

In internal congestions, as of the liver, kidneys, &c. ; to increase 
secretions, and hence relieve the vessels of the parts. 

Acute inflammation of any part is often found to give way when 
the system is brought under the influence of mercury, probably 
from its power of increasing the secretions of the part, influencing 
the capillary circulation, and altering the condition of the blood ; 
sthenic inflammations, with effusions of plastic lymph, are more 
controlled by the drug than those of an asthenic kind ; serous 
membranes are more influenced than mucous membranes, and the 
parenchyma of the liver more than that of the lungs. In chronic 
inflammations mercurials often prove useful in removing the mor- 
bid products, such as induration, and fibrinous and other effusions. 

Mercury is injurious in erythematous and scrofulous inflamma- 
tions, and also in any of a low type. 

In acute rheumatism mercurials are much employed by some 
practitioners ; it is questionable whether they influence the dura- 
tion of the disease, but they are generally considered to be useful 
in the peri- or endo-carditis, which is so frequently present. 

In dropsies dependent on inflammation of serous membranes and 
hepatic disease mercurials are useful, but injurious when arising 
from granular disease of the kidneys. 

In idiopathic fevers mercurials are often useful in keeping up 
the action of secreting organs and relieving congestions, but they 
appear to have no influence on the duration of the fever itself. 

In syphilis mercurials at one time formed the sole remedy ; at 
the present time they are not considered essential to the cure of 



HYDKAKGYRTJM. 95 

the affection, although employed in moderate quantities, both for 
the primary and secondary forms of the disease : it is probable 
that the terrible sequences of syphilis, formerly so commonly met 
with, were often as much dependent on the drug as on the disease 
itself. 

Mercury is very commonly used as an alterative in chronic 
affections of almost every part of the system, and as a cholagogue 
purgative in cases of dyspepsia, &c, where the secretion of the 
liver is defective. 

Externally employed, in the form of ointment, &c, mercurials 
produce a topical stimulant action, causing exalted action of the 
capillaries ; they also become absorbed, and affect the system 
generally. They are used over indurated and chronically inflamed 
parts, and sometimes to introduce the mineral into the system. 

Effects of over-doses , or the too great action of Mercurials. 

Very profuse pytalism, swelling of the tongue and salivary 
glands, and the whole face, tumefaction and redness of the gums, 
ulceration of different parts of the mucous membrane of the mouth, 
loosening of the teeth, and even necrosis of the jaw. Occasionally 
the flow of saliva and buccal mucus amounts to some pints in the 
day. 

Excessive purging, with very bilious stools. 

Certain skin affections, as Eczema Mercuriale. 

Inflammation of the periosteum and bone, of parts not connected 
with the mouth. 

A low, febrile condition (mercurial erythism), accompanied with 
intense prostration of the vital powers. 

Affections of the nervous system, such as neuralgic pains, partial 
paralysis (tremor mercurialis), and sometimes complete paralysis, 
and death ; these symptoms are usually observed in those who 
are subject to the action of mercurial vapours. 

Circumstances influencing the operation of Mercurials. 

The age of the patient has great influence ; children are much 
less affected than adults ; still, care should be used in administer- 
ing mercurials to young subjects, as very injurious results some- 
times ensue. 



96 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

Certain individuals appear to be able to resist completely the 
action of mercurials, others to be very susceptible of their influ- 
ence ; often such idiosyncrasies cannot be explained, but at times 
they depend on a diseased condition of the system. 

The presence of acute sthenic inflammation gives a resisting 
power to the action of the mercurial preparations, whereas granular 
disease of the kidney, scrofula, and scorbutus, render the system 
very sensitive to mercury, and the drug should generally be 
avoided in such cases. 

Dose. Of hydrargyrum cum creta, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of pilula 
hydrargyri, 3 gr. to 10 gr. 

The unguentum hydrargyri may be rubbed into a part where 
the skin is thin, as in the arm-pit or inner side of the thigh, in 
quantities varying from 30 gr. to 120 gr. The inunction should 
be continued till absorption has taken place. 

Adulteration. Other metals, as lead, tin, zinc, and bismuth, 
are often found in a state of amalgamation with mercury, or dis- 
solved in it : when such are present, the small globules leave a 
trail when rolled along a sheet of paper : zinc and tin are soluble 
in the hydrochloric acid, and lead and bismuth would not volatilize, 
and so could be detected : the process of purification by means of 
distillation and hydrochloric acid removes these impurities. 

Calomelas. Calomel; Subchloride of Mercury. [Hydrargyri 
Chloridum Mite. Mild Chloride of Mercury. U. S.] 

Synonym. Hydrargyri Chloridum. Lond. 

Prep. Sulphate of mercury, ten ounces ; mercury, by weight, 
seven ounces ; chloride of sodium, dried, five ounces ; distilled 
water, a sufficiency. The sulphate of mercury and the mercury 
are rubbed together with a little water until globules are no 
longer visible ; then the chloride of sodium is well triturated with 
them and sublimed. In this process the sulphate of mercury is, 
by being rubbed with a second equivalent of the metal, reduced to 
a sulphate of the suboxide; and this last, by the action of the common 
salt, is converted into the subchloride of mercury, sulphate of 
soda being produced at the same time. The decompositions may 
be thus represented : 

1st part of process, Hg 0, S0 3 + Hg=Hg 2 0, S0 3 . 
2d part of process, Hg 2 0, S0 8 + Na Cl=Na 0, S0 3 + Hg 2 CI. 



UNGUENTUM CALOMELANOS. 97 

Prop, & Comp. Calomel, when sublimed, occurs in cakes, 
with a crystalline structure ; but as a drug it is met with in the 
form of a dull- white, heavy powder, rendered yellowish by tritur- 
ation in a mortar, without odour or taste ; sublimes with heat ; 
it is blackened when treated with potash, and the clear supernat- 
ant fluid, acidulated with nitric acid, gives a copious white pre- 
cipitate with nitrate of silver. When calomel is boiled or washed 
in water, this liquid should afterwards give no precipitate with 
nitrate of silver, lime-water, or sulphuretted hydrogen. Calomel 
is insoluble in water, spirit, or ether ; by the action of nitric and 
hydrochloric acids, it is converted slowly into the chloride. It is 
entirely volatilized by a sufficient heat. Warm ether shaken with 
it in a bottle leaves, on evaporation, no residue. 

Off. Prep. Pilula Calomelanos Composita. Compound 
Pill of Calomel. (Calomel and sulphurated antimony, each one 
ounce ; guaiac resin, in powder, two ounces ; castor oil, one fluid 
ounce.) One grain of calomel is contained in five grains of the 
pill mass. [Pilulae Antimonii Composite. Compound Pills of 
Antimony. Plummer's Pills. U. S. Sulphurated antimony and 
mild chloride of mercury, each one hundred and twenty grains ; 
guaiac and molasses, each half a troy ounce. Divided into two 
hundred and forty pills ; each pill contains half a grain of the 
mild chloride of mercury.] 

Unguentum Calomelanos. Ointment of Calomel. [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] (Calomel, eighty grains ; prepared lard, one 
ounce.) About one grain of calomel is contained in forty grains 
of this ointment. 

Therapeutics. Calomel when absorbed acts on the system in the 
manner noticed under Hydrargyrum. Its peculiarities are, that 
it produces little local irritant action ; as a purgative, it increases 
the secretion of bile and other intestinal fluids : and hence forms 
a useful adjunct in affections of the liver, and obstructions to the 
portal circulation. It often produces in children the so-named 
calomel stools, or green-coloured faeces. The compound pill is 
employed chiefly as an alterative in chronic skin diseases, in which 
the antimony and guaiacum aid its operation. 

The ointment is a clean and valuable local alterative applica- 
tion in some forms of skin disease ; it can also be employed as an 
inunction. 

8 



98 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Dose, Of calomel as a purgative, 2 gr. to 6 gr. • to affect the 
system, £ gr. to 1 gr. or more, frequently repeated. Of pil. calo- 
melanos comp., as an alterative, 5 gr. to 10 gr. 

Adulteration. Calomel is apt to contain a trace of corrosive 
sublimate (chloride of mercury) formed in the process of prepa- 
ration : this can be detected by the water in which it is boiled, 
exhibiting reactions with the tests above given. Intentional 
impurities, as carbonate of lead, sulphate or carbonate of baryta, 
&c, are not volatilized by heat, and the carbonates effervesce 
with acids. 

Hydrargyrum Corrosivum Sublimatum. Corrosive Subli- 
mate ; Chloride of Mercury. [Hydrargyri Chloridum Cor- 
rosivum. Corrosive Chloride of Mercury. U. S.] 

Synonym. Hydrargyri Bichloridum. Lond. 

Prep. Sulphate of mercury, twenty ounces ; chloride of sodium, 
dried, ten ounces ; black oxide of manganese, in fine powder, one 
ounce. The sulphate and the chloride are reduced to fine powder, 
and then thoroughly mixed by trituration in a mortar with the 
oxide of manganese and the corrosive sublimate sublimed. When 
the sulphate of mercury is heated with the common salt, a double 
decomposition takes place ; and chloride of mercury, and sulphate 
of soda are produced, as represented in the formula, Hg 0, 
S0 3 +Na Cl=NaO,SO s + Hg CI. 

Prop. & Comp. Corrosive sublimate occurs in heavy white 
crystalline masses of a styptic and metallic taste. Composition 
(Hg CI) ; soluble in about 20 parts of cold water ; much more so 
in alcohol ; soluble also in ether : melts and entirely sublimes 
when heated. Its watery solution is precipitated by alkalies and 
lime-water, of a red or yellowish colour (the oxide) ; when this 
precipitate is heated, it gives off oxygen, and runs into globules 
of metallic mercury : the solution of corrosive sublimate gives a 
white precipitate with ammonia, and a curdy white precipitate 
with nitrate of silver ; it precipitates albumen, and forms with it 
a definite and very sparingly soluble compound. When heated, 
chloride of mercury sublimes without decomposition, leaving no 
residue. Hydrochlorate of ammonia increases the solvent power 
of water for corrosive sublimate. 

Therapeutics. Corrosive sublimate is a very powerful irritant ; 



HYDKAKGTKUM AMMOKCATUM. 99 

when taken in large doses, it causes burning at the epigastrium, 
vomiting and purging ; applied to the skin, it acts as a corrosive. 
In very small doses it is useful as an alterative in chronic affec- 
tions, syphilitic or not, as in scaly skin diseases, periosteal 
affections, &c. ; externally, as a lotion, injection, gargle, or oint- 
ment, in chronic skin diseases, ulcerated sore throats, and chronic 
discharge from mucous membranes. All the ordinary effects of 
mercury may be produced by this salt. 

Dose. 2V gr. to J gr. in solution or pill, with crumb of bread. 

Incompatibles. In solution it precipitates most of the vegetable 
preparations which contain albumen, tannin, &c. It is also thrown 
down by alkalies, alkaline sulphurets, iodides, and tartar emetic. 
An iodide in excess redissolves the precipitate. 

Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Mercury; Am- 
monio-Chloride of Mercury ; White Precipitate of Mercury. 

Synonym. Hydrargyri Ammonio-Chloridum. Lond. Dub. 
Hydrargyri Praecipitatum Album. Edin. 

Prep. Corrosive sublimate, three ounces ; solution of am- 
monia, four ounces ; distilled water, three pints. Dissolve the 
chloride in the water, aided by heat ; to the solution, when it has 
cooled, add the ammonia, frequently shaking it. Collect the 
precipitated powder on a filter, and wash with distilled water 
until the liquid which passes through ceases to give a precipitate 
when dropped into a solution of nitrate of silver acidulated by 
nitric acid ; lastly, dry it. When ammonia is added to a solution 
of corrosive sublimate, this peculiar compound, and not simply the 
oxide of mercury, is precipitated. 

Prop. & Gomp. A white, amorphous, heavy powder, usually 
in the form of small spiral cones from the wringing of the linen 
filters ; when heated it sublimes ; it is insoluble in water, 
alcohol, and ether ; dissolves in hydrochloric acid without effer- 
vescence ; and when heated with a solution of potash gives off 
vapours of ammonia, and becomes yellow from the formation of 
the oxide of mercury ; and the resulting fluid, filtered and acidu- 
lated with nitric acid, gives a white precipitate with nitrate of 
silver. Boiled with a solution of chloride of tin, it becomes grey, 
and affords globules of metallic mercury. Its composition is rep- 
resented by the formula, NH 2 Hg 2 CI. It may be regarded as a 



100 MATERIA MEDICA. 

chloride of ammonium, in which two equivalents of hydrogen are 
replaced by two equivalents of mercury, or as a compound of 
chloride with amide of mercury (Hg Cl 2 + Hg, NH 2 ). Some 
doubts exist as to its true chemical nature. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati. Ointment 
of Ammoniated Mercury. 

Synonym. Unguentum Prsecipitati Albi. Edin. 

(Ammoniated mercury, sixty-four grains ; simple ointment, one 
ounce.) [Ammoniated mercury, forty grains ; ointment of lard, 
a troy ounce.] 

Therapeutics. Never used internally ; externally, it destroys 
pediculi, and acts as a stimulant application when used to chronic 
skin affections in the form of the ointment. 

Adulteration. Chalk, carbonate of lead, plaster of Paris, 
&c. : these do not sublime when heated : the carbonates effer- 
vesce with acids. 

Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride. Green Iodide of Mercury. 

Prep. Mercury, by weight, one ounce ; iodine, two hundred 
and seventy-eight grains ; rectified spirit, as much as may be 
necessary. Rub the mercury and iodine together, gradually add- 
ing the spirit, until the globules are no longer visible. Dry the 
powder with a gentle heat as quickly as possible, access of light 
being prevented, and keep it. in a black glass vessel well stoppered. 
Direct union takes place when mercury and iodine are brought 
into contact with each other in a highly-divided state, the spirit 
aids the union by its solvent action upon the iodine. 

Prop. & Comp. When thus prepared it forms a dingy greenish- 
yellow powder ; if carefully heated, in a test tube, it yields a yel- 
low sublimate, which upon friction becomes red, while a globule of 
metallic mercury is left in the bottom of the tube. It is entirely 
volatilized by a heat under redness ; it is insoluble in ether, in 
water, and also in a solution of chloride of sodium ; it is apt to 
decompose with the formation of some red iodide of mercury. 
Composition (Hg 2 1). 

Therapeutics. Acts in a manner very similar to calomel, per- 
haps is less purgative, more readily affecting the system j it has 
been proposed in venereal diseases occurring in scrofulous habits. 



HYDRAEGYEI OXIDUM ETJBRUM. 101 

Externally it is alterative, and useful in chronic skin diseases, 
rubbed up with lard in the form of an ointment. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 3 gr. 

Adulteration. It may contain a little red iodide of mercury, 
which is a powerful irritant ; this is detected by being soluble in a 
solution of common salt, also in spirit. 

Hydrargyrum Iodidum Rubrum. Red Iodide of Mercury. 

Prep. Four ounces of corrosive sublimate, and five ounces of 
iodide of potassium, are dissolved separately in water, and the 
two solutions mixed ; the red iodide is precipitated, and is sepa- 
rated by decantation and filtration, and afterwards washed and 
dried. This is a simple case of double decomposition, chloride of 
mercury and iodide of potassium becoming chloride of potassium 
and iodide of mercury (Hg Cl-f-KI=Hg I + K CI). 

Prop. & Comp. A crystalline powder of a fine bright ver- 
milion colour, becoming yellow when heated over a lamp on a 
sheet of paper ; almost insoluble in water, dissolves sparingly in 
alcohol, but freely in ether or in an aqueous solution of iodide of 
potassium. When digested with a solution of soda, it assumes 
a reddish-brown colour, and the fluid cleared by filtration and 
mixed with a solution of starch, gives a blue precipitate on being 
acidulated with nitric acid. Entirely volatilized by a heat under 
redness, and completely soluble in ether. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri. Ointment 
of Red Iodide of Mercury. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Red 
iodide of mercury, in fine powder, sixteen grains ; simple oint- 
ment, one ounce.) This ointment contains one-fourth as much 
red iodide of mercury as Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri. 
Dub. 

Therapeutics. The red iodide closely resembles corrosive sub- 
limate in its action upon the system, and is far more irritant than 
the green iodide. It is chiefly used as an external application in 
the form of ointment to enlarged glands, and periosteal nodes of 
a syphilitic nature, also in goitre. Internally it may be adminis- 
tered in the same cases as corrosive sublimate. 

Dose. yV gr. to £ gr. 

Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum. Red Oxide of Mercury. 



102 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Synonym. Hydrargyri Nitrico-Oxidum. Lond. 

Prep. Mercury by weight, eight ounces ; nitric acid, three 
fluid ounces ; distilled water, two fluid ounces. Dissolve half the 
mercury in the nitric acid diluted with the water, evaporate the 
solution to dryness, and triturate the dry salt thus obtained with 
the remainder of the mercury. Put this into a porcelain capsule, 
then apply a slow fire, and gradually increase it until acid vapour 
ceases to arise. 

Prop. & Comp. Red shining crystalline scales, insoluble in 
water, but entirely soluble in hydrochloric acid. Composition 
(Hg 0). Entirely volatilized by a heat under redness, being at 
the same time decomposed into mercury and oxygen. If this be 
done in a test tube no orange vapours should be given off, indicat- 
ing the absence of nitric acid. The solution in hydrochloric acid 
gives a yellow precipitate with caustic potash in excess, and a 
white precipitate with solution of ammonia. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. Ointment 
of Red Oxide of Mercury. (Red oxide of mercury, in very fine 
powder, sixty-four grains ; simple ointment, one ounce.) About 
one grain of oxide in twenty-eight grains of the ointment. 

Therapeutics. Used externally only, as a powerful irritant and 
escharotic ; applied as an ointment to the eye in ophthalmia, to 
indolent ulcers, &c. ; as an escharotic, in powder, alone or mixed 
with sugar, to specks in the cornea, over excrescences, chancres, 
and fungous ulcers. 

Adulteration. Brick-dust, red-lead, and other red powders, de- 
tected by not being volatile ; some undecomposed nitrate of mer- 
cury may be present, and then red fumes are given off when heated ; 
the nitrate is also soluble in water. 

Hydrargyri Nitratis Liquor Acidus. Acid Solution of Ni- 
trate of Mercury. 

Prep. Mercury, four ounces ; nitric acid, three fluid ounces 
and a quarter ; distilled water, three fluid ounces. Mix the nitric 
acid and the water, and dissolve the mercury in the mixture with- 
out heat ; afterwards boil gently for fifteen minutes, cool and pre- 
serve in a stoppered bottle. 

[Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis. Solution of Nitrate of Mercury. 



HYDRARGYRI SULPHUEETUM. 103 

U. S. Mercury, three troy ounces ; nitric acid, five troy ounces ; 
distilled water, six fl. drachms. Dissolve the mercury with the 
aid of a gentle heat, in the acid mixed with the water. After- 
wards evaporate to seven troy ounces and a half. Sp. gr. 2" 165 ,] 

Prop. & Comp. Nitrate of Mercury (Hg 0, N0 5 ) in solution 
in nitric acid. It forms a colourless, strongly acid solution, which 
gives a yellow precipitate with potash added in excess. If a 
crystal of sulphate of iron be dropped into it, in a little time the 
salt of iron and the liquid in its vicinity acquire a dark colour. 
Sp. gr. 2*246. A little of it dropped into hydrochloric acid when 
diluted with twice its volume of water gives no precipitate. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, Ointment of 
Nitrate of Mercury. 

Synonym. Unguentum Citrinum. JEdin. 

(Mercury, by weight, four ounces ; nitric acid, eight fluid 
ounces ; prepared lard, fifteen ounces ; olive oil, thirty-two fluid 
ounces. Dissolve the mercury in the nitric acid with the aid of a 
gentle heat, then add the solution to the lard and oil, previously 
melted together by a steam or water-bath, and mix thoroughly. 
If the mixture do not froth up, increase the heat till this occurs.) 

TJierapeutics. The acid solution of nitrate of mercury is a 
powerful caustic, and has been applied topically in some cancerous 
affections and in lupus. The ointment acts as a stimulant, and is 
used in skin affections, and especially in chronic inflammatory 
diseases of the eyes, as in Ophthalmia Tarsi, &c. The ointment 
can be diluted to any degree. 

Dose. The acid solution is not intended for internal adminis- 
tration. 

Hydrargyri Sulphuretum. (Not officinal.) [Hydrargyri Sul- 
phuretum Rubrum. Red Sulphuret of Mercury. U. S.] Sul- 
phuret of Mercury ; Artificial Cinnabar, called in London, Phar- 
macopoeia of 1851, Hydrargyri Bisulphuretum. 

Prep. Lond. Mix mercury and sulphur in equivalent propor- 
tions, melt them over a fire, and as soon as the mass swells re- 
move the vessel and strongly cover it lest the mixture take fire ; 
thpn rub the mass to powder and sublime it When melted sul- 



104 MATEKIA MEDICA. 

phur is brought in contact with mercury, direct union ensues, the 
compound is afterwards sublimed, and forms artificial cinnabar. 

Prop, dt Comjp. Dark scarlet shining crystalline masses, form- 
ing, when powdered, a beautiful scarlet colour, known by the name 
of vermilion ; insoluble in water or alcohol. Volatilizes entirely 
when heated alone, but with potash it is reduced to metallic glob- 
ules. Composition (Hg S). 

Therapeutics. When the fumes are brought into contact with 
the surface of the body, the drug acts as a topical alterative and 
becomes absorbed, affecting the system the same as other mer- 
curials ; probably, when heated in the air, it is decomposed, at 
least in part. It is used as a fumigation in some syphilitic skin 
diseases, as ecthyma ; also as an inhalation in venereal sore throat. 
Rarely or never used internally. 

Dose. As a fumigating agent, 30 gr., heated on an iron plate 
and placed under the patient wrapped in a blanket ; or the 
vapours may be applied to the mouth and throat through a 
funnel. 

Adulteration. Red-lead, red oxide of iron, and brick-dust, 
detected by not subliming j occasionally red sulphuret of arsenic 
has been found, but this can be detected by heating with char- 
coal, when it gives off the garlic odour ; also by the other tests 
for arsenic. 

Sulphate cf Mercury. Appendix A. 

Prep. Made by dissolving twenty ounces, by weight, of mer- 
cury, in twelve fluid ounces of sulphuric acid with the aid of 
heat ; and subsequently evaporating until a dry white salt re- 
mains- 

Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of mercury forms a white crystalline 
powder, which is decomposed by the action of water, and ren- 
dered yellow, from the formation of a subsalt of mercury 3 Hg 0, 
SQ 3 . Sulphate of mercury is entirely volatilized by heat. Its 
composition is represented by the formula, Hg 0, S0 3 . 

Use. It is used in the preparation of corrosive sublimate and 
calomel, and not given as a remedy. The yellow subsulphate 
above mentioned, under the name of Turbith Mineral, has been 
employed as an errhine. 



LJLTHL/E CARB<XNAS. 105 

LITHIUM. 

(L. Eq.=7.)j 

Lithium, the metallic base of lithia, does not exist native, but 
can be obtained from various minerals, as lepidolite, triphylline, 
&c, and derives its name from Xidog a stone, as it was supposed to 
exist only in the mineral kingdom. It is the lightest solid body 
known, floats on water and on naphtha, and has a density of 
0.5936, it has a very small atomic or equivalent weight, only seven 
on the hydrogen scale. Its oxide (LO), which is a powerful base, 
forms crystallizable salts with the acids. The urate of lithia is 
much more soluble than that of potash or soda. 
Lithise Carbonas. Carbonate of Lithia. 

Prop. (& Comp. Carbonate of lithia occurs in a white powder 
or in minute crystalline grains. It has an alkaline reaction, and 
is soluble in 100 parts of cold water ; its solubility is increased by 
the presence of carbonic acid in the liquid ; not soluble in alco- 
hol. When treated with hydrochloric acid it dissolves with effer- 
vescence ; the solution when evaporated to dryness leaves a resi- 
due of chloride of lithium. If this be dissolved in water, and a 
solution of phosphate of soda added, a precipitate of phosphate of 
lithia is formed (3 LO, P0 5 ). The composition of carbonate of 
lithia is (LO, C0 2 ). 

Ten grains neutralized with sulphuric acid, and afterwards 
heated to redness, should leave 14*86 grains of dry sulphate of 
lithia ; this when re-dissolved in distilled water yields no precipi- 
tate with oxalate of ammonia or solution of lime, showing the 
absence of lime or magnesia. 

Therapeutics. From the small amount of lithia sufficient to 
form a salt with uric acid, and the much greater solubility of the 
salt, it follows that unless other circumstances interfere with their 
administration, the lithia salts must be valuable remedies when it 
is desirable to keep uric acid in solution during its transit through 
the urinary organs or prevent its deposition in the structures of 
the body. The carbonate of lithia acts as a diuretic, and in the 
same dose has a more powerful influence in rendering the urine 
alkaline than the corresponding salt of soda or potash. It may be 
given with great advantage in certain states of the system in which 
urate of soda is liable to be deposited in the tissues, as in gout, &c. 



106 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Dose. Of the carbonate, 3 gr. to 6 gr. The carbonate may be 
given in aerated water ; free dilution aids its diuretic action. 

Lithiee Citras. Citrate of Lithia. 

Prep. Made by dissolving fifty grains of carbonate of lithia in 
one fluid ounce of water containing ninety grains of citric acid, 
by the aid of heat, evaporating the solution till water ceases to 
escape, and the residue is converted into a viscid liquid. This is 
dried at a temperature of about 240°, pulverized and kept in a 
stoppered bottle. 

Prop. c& Comp. Citrate of lithia is a white amorphous pow- 
der, soluble in water ; the citric acid is carbonized by heating the 
salt to redness, and the residue, neutralized with hydrochloric acid, 
and dissolved in alcohol, burns with a crimson flame. Twenty 
grains burned at a low red heat with free access of air leave 10*6 
grains of white residue (carbonate of lithia). 

Therapeutics. The citrate of lithia resembles the carbonate in 
its action. 

Pose. 5 gr. to 10 gr. 

MAGNESIUM. 

(Mg. Eq. = 12.) 

Magnesium, the metallic base of the magnesian salts, does not 
exist native ; when obtained artificially, it is a brilliant grey- 
coloured metal ; sp. gr. 1/7 ; not readily oxidated except when 
heated in air, and it then forms the earth magnesia. 

Magnesia. Magnesia ; Protoxide of Magnesium. 

Magnesia Levis. Light Magnesia. 

Prep. Carbonate of magnesia, four ounces, burnt in a Cornish 
or Hessian crucible closed loosely by a lid, and exposed to a red 
heat, as long as a little of the powder taken from the centre, when 
cooled and dropped into dilute sulphuric acid, gives rise to effer- 
vescence. In preparing the light magnesia, the light carbonate is 
used. In this process the carbonate is converted into the oxide 
by the heat driving off the carbonic acid. 

The light magnesia differs from magnesia only in its greater 
levity, the volumes corresponding to the same weight being in the 
ratio of three and a half to one. 



1 



MAGICESUE CARBONAS. 107 

Prop, dt Comp. A white powder with scarcely any taste ; 
almost insoluble in water, but when moistened gives a slight alka- 
line reaction to turmeric paper, turning it brown. It dissolves in 
hydrochloric acid without effervescence ; and the solution when 
neutralized by a mixed solution of ammonia and hydrochlorate of 
ammonia gives a copious crystalline deposit when phosphate of 
soda is added (the ammonio-magnesian phosphate). Dissolved in 
nitric acid and neutralized with a mixture of ammonia and hydro- 
chlorate of ammonia it does not give any precipitate with oxalate 
of ammonia or chloride of barium, showing the absence of any 
sulphate of lime, or carbonate of magnesia or lime. Composition 
(Mg 0). 

Off. Prep. Of magnesia levis. 

Pulvis Rhei Compositus. Compound Powder of Rhubarb. 
(Rhubarb, in powder, two ounces ; light magnesia, six ounces ; 
ginger, in powder, one ounce.) This is also known as Gregory's 
Powder. 

Therapeutics. In small doses magnesia acts first as an antacid 
upon the alimentary canal ; then becomes absorbed, and renders 
the urine alkaline ; the salts formed by the presence of any acid 
in the stomach, have a purgative tendency : in large doses it pro- 
duces distinct purgative effects. It is used in acidity of the stom- 
ach and heartburn, and in affections connected with an increased 
excretion of uric acid, or urates : also as a purgative in acid con- 
ditions of the alimentary canal, especially in children. It should 
be given cautiously, as it is rather apt to form concretions in the 
intestines when taken for a lengthened period. 

Dose. Of magnesia or magnesia levis : as an antacid, 10 gr. to 
20 gr. ; as a purgative or adjunct, 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; of pulvis rhei 
compositus, 5 gr. to 10 gr. for young children ; 60 gr. to 120 gr. 
for adults. 

Adulteration. It is apt to contain a little sulphate, as the car- 
bonate is prepared from the sulphate ; also lime, the sulphate being 
usually obtained from dolomite, a magnesian limestone ; lastly, 
some carbonate, from imperfect calcination : these can be all de- 
tected by the above tests. 

Magnesiae Carbonas. Carbonate of Magnesia. 
Synonym. Magnesias Carbonas Ponderosum. Dub. 



108 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Magnesias Carbonas Levis. Light Carbonate of Magnesia. 

Prep. Sulphate of magnesia, twelve ounces ; carbonate of soda, 
twelve ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency. Dissolve the car- 
bonate and sulphate separately, each in a pint of water ; then mix 
the solutions, and evaporate the whole to perfect dryness, by means 
of a sand-bath ; digest the residue for half an hour with two pints 
of water, collect the insoluble matter on a calico filter, and wash 
till the washings cease to give a precipitate with chloride of bari- 
um ; then dry at a temperature not exceeding 212°. 

The light carbonate of magnesia is prepared by dissolving the 
same quantities of the sulphate and carbonate in half a gallon of 
water, mixing the two solutions cold, and boiling the mixture in 
a porcelain dish for fifteen minutes, then transferring to a calico 
filter, and washing and drying at a heat not exceeding 212°. 

In these processes double decomposition takes place, sulphate 
of magnesia and carbonate of soda being converted into sulphate 
of soda and carbonate of magnesia. 

Prop. & Comp. A white powder with scarcely any taste ; 
insoluble in water ; neutral, or very slightly alkaline in reaction ; 
soluble in dilute mineral acids, yielding solutions which, when 
first treated with hydrochlorate of ammonia, are not disturbed by 
the addition of an excess of solution of ammonia, but yield a 
copious crystalline precipitate upon the addition of phosphate of 
soda. With excess of hydrochloric acid it forms a clear solution 
in which chloride of barium causes no precipitate. Another por- 
tion of the solution supersaturated with ammonia gives no precip- 
itate with oxalic acid, indicating the absence of sulphates, and of 
lime. Fifty grains calcined at a red heat are reduced to 22. 
Composition (3 (Mg 0, C0 2 -f HO) + MgO, 2 HO). It is not a 
simple carbonate ; but a mixture of the carbonate and hydrate of 
magnesia ; as magnesia when precipitated is incapable of retain- 
ing the whole of the carbonic acid. The light carbonate has the 
same composition, but is much lighter, and when examined under 
the microscope is found to be partly amorphous with numerous 
slender prisms intermixed. 

Therapeutics. Acts the same as magnesia, with the exception 
of producing an evolution of carbonic acid when it meets with acid 



MAGNESIA SULPHAS. 109 

in the alimentary canal, and hence sometimes produces uncom^ 
fortable distension. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. as an antacid ; 20 gr. to 60 gr. as a 
purgative. 

Adulteration. Lime and some sulphate may be present, as in 
the last preparation, detected by the above tests. 

Magnesias Sulphas. Sulphate of Magnesia ; Epsom Salts. 

Prep. Generally made, at the present time, from dolomite, a 
magnesian lime-stone (consisting of the carbonates of lime and 
magnesia), by treating it with sulphuric acid, which dissolves out 
the magnesia, and leaves the lime in the form of an insoluble sul- 
phate of lime. Formerly it was prepared from bittern, the 
residual liquor left after the crystallization of common salt from 
sea water. 

Prop. & Comp. In 4 or 6-sided colourless prisms, with from 
2 to 6 terminal planes ; as generally sold it is in small acicular 
crystals ; they should not deliquesce in the air, but have a ten- 
dency to effloresce ; sulphate of magnesia is soluble in water ; 
and the solution gives copious white precipitates with chloride of 
barium (sulphate of baryta), and with a mixed solution of ammonia, 
hydrochlorate of ammonia, and phosphate of soda (ammonio-mag- 
nesian phosphate). The salt should not give off hydrochloric 
acid fumes when treated with sulphuric acid. Its aqueous solu- 
tion at ordinary temperatures is not precipitated by oxalate of 
ammonia, showing that no lime is present. The precipitate given 
by carbonate of soda, when obtained from a boiling solution of 
100 grains of the salt, should, when washed, dried, and heated to 
redness, weigh 16*26 grains. Composition (Mg. O, S0 3 + 7 HO). 

Of. Prep. Enema Magnesle Sulphatis. Enema of Sul- 
phate of Magnesia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

/Synonym. Enema Catharticum. Edin. Dub. 
(Sulphate of magnesia, one ounce ; olive oil, one fluid ounce ; 
mucilage of starch, fifteen fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. In ordinary doses it acts as a saline purgative, 
causing a pretty free secretion of watery fluid from the canal. In 
small doses, and freely diluted, it causes diuresis. Epsom salts 
are employed very frequently, either alone or in combination with 



110 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

other purgatives ; and are especially adapted to the treatment of 
febrile affections, and also where the portal system is congested : 
with the infusion of senna, sulphate of magnesia forms the ordin- 
ary black draught. The enema is used as a purgative. 

Dose. As a purgative, 120 gr. to J oz., or more ; in combi- 
nation, from 60 gr. upwards ; as a diuretic, 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Adulteration. When made from bittern it contains chloride 
of magnesium and sodium ; it then deliquesces, and gives off 
hydrochloric acid fumes with sulphuric acid ; it also precipitates 
nitrate of silver. 

MANGANESIUM. MANGANESE. 

(Mn. Eq.=275). 
Black Oxide of Manganese. Binoxide of Manganese. 

Prop. & Corrip. Binoxide of manganese, called also black 
oxide of manganese, is found native, sometimes crystallized, some- 
times amorphous ; as met with in commerce it is a black heavy 
powder, devoid of odour and taste ; yielding, when heated with 
hydrochloric acid, or with sulphuric acid and salt, chlorine gas. 
It consists of the metal manganese (which has some resemblance 
to iron) and oxygen. Formula (Mn 2 ). 

Use. In the preparation of Liquor Sodas Chloratae, and Liquor 
Chlori. It may be employed also as a source of oxygen by heat- 
ing it alone, or with sulphuric acid. 

Therapeutics. Manganese preparations have been occasionally 
employed in medicine : the sulphate of the protoxide, in large 
doses, as from sixty grains to one hundred and twenty grains, 
produces purgative effects, and by some is considered to increase 
the excretion of bile ; in small doses this salt, as well as the car- 
bonate, have been given, with the idea of improving the condition 
of the blood, in cases of anaemia ; but its value has not as yet 
been satisfactorily established. The binoxide is not used in 
medicine. 

PLATINUM. 

(Pt. Eq.=98-5.) 

Platinum, a heavy, dull, white metal ; sp. gr. 21 ; not acted on 
by any acid, only by chlorine, or nitro-hydrochloric acid. 



LYTHAEGTKUM. Ill 

Solution of Bichloride of Platinum, Appendix B. 

Prep. By dissolving platinum in aqua regia, with heat. A 
mixture of half a fluid ounce of nitric acid with three fluid ounces 
of hydrochloric acid, and two fluid ounces of distilled water, are 
poured upon a quarter of an ounce of platinum foil in a small 
flask, and digested, more of the acid mixed in the same proportion 
being added until the metal is dissolved. The solution is trans- 
ferred to a porcelain capsule, a fluid drachm of hydrochloric acid 
added, and the whole evaporated on a water-bath until acid 
vapours cease to be given off. The residue is dissolved in five 
ounces of distilled water and preserved in a stoppered bottle. 

Prop., Com/p. <& Use. The solution is of a dark reddish-yellow 
colour, is used as a test for potassium, forming with the chloride of 
that metal a sparingly soluble double salt, which distinguishes 
potash from soda salts. The composition of bichloride of platinum 
(Pt Cl 2 ). It also precipitates ammonia salts, and many of the 
alkaloids, as nicotine, &c. 

PLUMBUM. LEAD. 

(Pb. Eq. = 103-5.) 
Metallic lead is not employed in medicine ; but when individ- 
uals are exposed for a long time to its influence, as by handling 
it, they exhibit symptoms of slow poisoning. 

Lithargyrum. Litharge. Protoxide of Lead. [Plumbi Oxidum. 
Oxide of Lead. U. S.] 

Synonym. Plumbi Oxidum. Zond. Dub. 

Prep. It is usually made during the cupellation of lead ores 
containing silver, when the oxide becomes fused or semi-vitrified. 

Prop. & Comp. Red or orange-red scales ; almost entirely 
soluble in nitric or acetic acid, either solution when neutral giving 
a copious yellow precipitate with iodide of potassium. It dis- 
solves without effervescence in nitric acid diluted with 6 volumes 
of water, and the solution when supersaturated with ammonia 
and then cleared by filtration does not exhibit a blue colour, indi- 
cating the absence of a carbonate or copper. The solution is 
precipitated black by sulphuretted hydrogen, white by caustic 
potash, and re-dissolved by it in excess. Composition (Pb 0). 



112 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Off. Prep. Emplastrum Lithargyri. Litharge Plaster. [Em- 
plastrum Plumbi. Plaster of Lead. U. S.] 

Synonym. Emplastrum Plumbi. Lond. 

(Oxide of lead, reduced to very fine powder, four pounds ; olive 
oil, a gallon ; water, seventy fluid ounces. Boil them together 
over a slow fire for four or five hours, constantly stirring, until 
the oil and oxide of lead unite into the consistence of a plaster ; a 
little boiling water may be added, if that which was used at the 
first has evaporated before the end of the boiling.) 

Therapeutics. Litharge is never given internally. The plaster, 
in which the lead exists in combination with margaric and oleic 
acids, is used as a mechanical support ; it is less irritating than 
many other plasters, and perhaps slightly astringent. 

Plumbi lodidum. Iodide of Lead. (Not officinal.) [Officinal 
in IT. S. P.] 

Prep. Made by precipitating a clear solution of acetate of 
lead by means of iodide of potassium. In this process iodide of 
lead and acetate of potash are formed by double decomposition. 

Prop, dc Comp. Iodide of lead occurs in a yellow powder, or 
in crystalline scales, soluble in boiling water, forming a colourless 
solution, depositing crystals in cooling. Fuses and sublimes 
yellow, but soon gives off violet vapours from decomposition. 
Composition (Pb I). It is altered a little by light. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi. Ointment of Iodide 
of Lead. (Iodide of lead, one ounce ; lard, eight ounces. Rub 
them together.) 

Therapeutics. Externally applied, iodide of lead acts as a mild 
stimulant, and has been used in the form of ointments to enlarged 
scrofulous joints, &c. It is seldom used internally, but has been 
given in scrofulous tumours. 

Dose. J gr. to 1 gr., or more* 

Plumbi Acetas. Acetate of Lead ; Sugar of Lead. 

Prep. By dissolving litharge in dilute acetic acid, and subse- 
quent evaporation and crystallization. 

Prop. <& Comp. Generally in white spongy-looking masses, 
composed of interlaced acicular crystals ; it may be obtained in 
large, flat four-sided prisms j acetate of lead has a sweetish, 



LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS. 113 

acetous odour, and sweet, metallic taste ; effloresces slightly in 
the air ; is soluble in water ; the solution slightly reddens litmus ; 
and is precipitated white by carbonate of soda, yellow by iodide 
of potassium, and black by sulphuretted hydrogen ; treated with 
sulphuric acid, acetic vapours are given off. The solution in dis- 
tilled water is clear, or has only a slight muddiness, which 
disappears on the addition of acetic acid : 38 grains dissolved in 
water require for complete precipitation 20 measures of the vol- 
umetric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to 22*3 grains of 
oxide of lead. Composition (Pb 0, C 4 H 3 3 + 3 HO). 

Off. Prep. Pilula Plumbi cum Opio. Pill of Lead and 
Opium. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Acetate of lead, in fine 
powder, thirty-six grains ; opium, in fine powder, six grains ; con- 
fection of roses, six grains.) One grain of opium is contained in 
eight grains of the pill mass. 

Therapeutics. Acetate of lead in small doses acts as a sedative 
and astringent, lessening morbid mucous discharges and hemor- 
rhages, and even diminishing the natural secretions ; hepce 
producing constipation, thirst, and a species of colic named 
Painters' or lead colic, accompanied by a peculiar blue line on 
the gums (a valuable diagnostic sign) : when continued for some 
time, it renders the pulse smaller, and induces wasting of the 
body ; it also produces an influence on the nervous system, shown 
by loss of power of the extensors of the hand, sometimes com- 
plete paralysis and apoplexy. The serious symptoms above 
described are, for the most part, brought on by contact with lead 
in various occupations, and not often by its employment as a 
medicine. Acetate of lead is much used in hemorrhages from 
various organs, also in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery; in 
phthisis to check expectoration and excessive sweating. Exter- 
nally it is sedative and astringent, and is sometimes used in skin 
affections and over inflamed parts. 

Dose. \ gr. to 3 gr., or more ; of Pilula Plumbi cum Opio, 
4 gr. to 8 gr. 

Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. Solution of Subacetate of Lead. 
Prep. (Acetate of lead, five ounces ,* litharge, in powder, three 
ounces and a half ; distilled water, twenty fluid ounces, or a suffi- 
ciency. Boil them together for half an hour, frequently stirring,. 
9 



114 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

then filter ; and when the liquor is cold, add of distilled water as 
much as may be necessary, that it may accurately measure twenty 
fluid ounces. Let it be kept in well-closed vessels.) By the action 
of the litharge on acetate of lead, a sul>salt is formed, an addi- 
tional amount of the oxide of lead entering into the composition 
of the salt. 

Prop. <&, Comp. A clear colourless liquid, sp. gr. 1*26, with 
an alkaline reaction, and sweet, astringent, metallic taste ; it 
agrees with the acetate in most of its properties, except that it 
precipitates gum as well as mucilage from solution, forming an 
opaque white jelly. Sulphuric acid in excess gives a white pre- 
cipitate of sulphate of lead, acetic acid being set free. Two fluid 
drachms require for perfect precipitation 27 measures of the volu- 
metric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to about 30 grains of 
oxide of lead. The composition of the salt contained in liquor 
plumbi subacetatis may be represented by the formula, 2 fb 0, 
C 4 H 3 3 . 

Off. Prep. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. Dilute 
Solution of Subacetate of Lead. (Solution of subacetate of lead, 
two fluid drachms ; rectified spirit, two fluid drachms ; distilled 
water, nineteen fluid ounces and a half.) [Solution of subacetate 
of lead, three fluid drachms ; distilled water, a pint. U. S.] 

Unguentum Plumbi Subacetatis. Ointment of Subacetate of 
Lead. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Solution of subacetate of 
lead, six fluid ounces ; camphor, sixty grains ; white wax, eight 
ounces ; olive oil, twenty fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. Subacetate of lead acts as an astringent and 
sedative ; it is only used externally ; and in the form of the 
dilute solution, is most commonly employed when the topical 
action of lead is desired. The ointment is used for a similar 
purpose. 

Plumbi Carbonas. Carbonate of Lead. 

Prep. Often made by exposing sheets of metallic lead to the 
fumes of acetic and carbonic acids, from vinegar and spent tan. 

Prop, de Comp. A heavy white powder insoluble in water^ 
blackened by sulphuretted hydrogen. It is soluble with effer- 
vescence in dilute nitric acid, forming a solution which is pre- 



LIQUOB POTASS M. 115 

cipitated yellow by iodide of potassium, and white by sulphuric 
acid ; it dissolves entirely in acetic acid ; the solution treated 
with sulphuretted hydrogen in excess, boiled and filtered, gives 
no precipitate with oxalate of ammonia. The composition of 
this salt is represented by the formula, 2 (Pb 0, C0 2 ) 4- Pb 
0, HO. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Carbon atis. Ointment of 
Carbonate of Lead. (Carbonate of lead, in powder, sixty-four 
grains ; simple ointment, one ounce). [Carbonate of lead in very 
fine powder, eighty grains ; ointment of lard, a troy ounce. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. This salt is not used as an internal remedy ; 
when applied externally, it acts as a local astringent and sedative, 
and may be used in the same cases as the subacetate. It may be 
employed either alone or mixed with starch, and powdered upon 
diseased surfaces ; or it may be applied in the form of the oint- 
ment. 

POTASSIUM. 

(K. Eq.=39.) 

This metal, called also Kalium, does not exist native, but can 
be obtained from potash salts ; when pure, it has a metallic lead 
colour ; sp. gr. 0*86 ; rapidly oxidizes, and is converted into the 
protoxide or potash, which is contained in the following prepara- 
tions. 

Liquor Potasses. Solution of Potash. 

Prep. Carbonate of potash, one pound ; slaked lime, twelve 
ounces ; distilled water, a gallon. Dissolve the carbonate in the 
water, and having heated the solution to the boiling point in a 
clean iron vessel, gradually mix it with the slaked lime, and con- 
tinue the ebullition for ten minutes with constant stirring. Then 
set by, that the carbonate of lime may subside. Lastly, when the 
supernatant liquor has become perfectly clear, transfer it by 
means of a syphon to a well-stoppered green-glass vessel. In 
this process the lime, on account of its affinity for carbonic acid, 
abstracts it from the carbonate of potash, and thus carbonate of 
lime, which is insoluble, is precipitated, and potash remains in 
solution. [In the U. S. P. bicarbonate of potassa is employed 
instead of the carbonate, and the solution boiled till the excess of 



* 



116 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

carbonate acid is given out. It is then decomposed by lime as in 
the text. The resulting preparation is stronger than that of the 
Br. Ph. having a sp. gr. of 1*065, and containing five and eight 
tenths per cent, of hydrate of potassa.] 

Prop. & Comp. Liquor potassae is a colourless liquid, with 
intensely acrid and caustic taste ; sp. gr., 1*058. One fluid ounce 
requires for neutralization 48*25 measures of the volumetric 
solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 22*68 grains of potash 
(KO). It does not effervesce when added to an excess of hydro- 
chloric acid, nor give a precipitate with lime or oxalate of am- 
monia, showing the absence of carbonic acid and lime ; and after 
being heated with nitric acid in excess, and evaporated to dry- 
ness, the residue forms with water a nearly clear solution, which 
is only slightly precipitated by chloride of barium and nitrate of 
silver, and is rendered very slightly turbid by ammonia, showing 
that mere traces of sulphates, chlorides, metallic impurities, or 
alumina are present ; it forms with bichloride of platinum, the 
yellow double salt (K CI, Pt Cl 2 ). It injures glass containing 
lead by partially dissolving it * hence it is ordered to be kept in 
green-glass bottles. 

Therapeutics. Liquor potassae, in large doses and undiluted, is 
a violent caustic poison ; but taken into the stomach in a diluted 
form it acts at first as a direct antacid, neutralizing any free acid 
in the stomach ; it also produces a powerful sedative effect upon 
the mucous membrane. After absorption into the blood, it pos- 
sesses the power of increasing the change of tissues in the body, 
acting as an alterative, especially on the glandular system and on 
the secreting and excreting organs : it, doubtless, renders the 
blood more alkaline, and the fibrin less plastic ; but from the 
small amount which can be taken on account of its causticity, 
never produces alkalinity in the urine previously strongly acid. 
It is used as an antacid in dyspepsia, but in the inflammatory 
forms of this affection its value depends more upon its sedative 
powers : it is also used in skin affections, and is especially useful 
when they depend upon a morbid condition of the stomach, as 
seen in erythema and other cutaneous diseases. As a blood 
alterant, liquor potassae has been employed in inflammation of 
serous membranes, attended with fibrinous depositions, as pleuritis, 
pericarditis, and periostitis, also in scrofula, syphilis, and chronic 



POTASS A CAUSTICA. 117 

rheumatism. Recently, however, iodide of potassium has replaced 
this medicine in a great measure as an alterative. Externally, 
when freely diluted, liquor potassae may be employed as a wash 
in some chronic skin diseases. 

Dose. 10 min. to 1 fl. drm., freely diluted. 

Adulteration. Carbonate and sulphate of potash, chloride of 
potassium, and lime, all of which can be detected by the tests 
given above. 

Potassa Caustica. Caustic Potash. 

Synonym. Potassae Hydras. Lond. Potassa. Edin. 

Prep. Two pints of the solution of potash, are evaporated in 
a silver or clean iron vessel over a fire, until the ebullition being 
finished, the hydrate of potash liquefies : this is poured into 
proper moulds, and when it has solidified, and while it is still 
warm, put it into stoppered bottles. 

Prop. & Comp. Caustic potash is usually moulded for medi- 
cal purposes into small sticks about the size of a pencil, which 
should be white, but are often greenish, bluish, or reddish-brown 
from impurities ; it quickly deliquesces when exposed to air, and, 
if pure, dissolves in rectified spirit ; it dissolves animal tissues, 
forming a kind of soap with them ; a watery solution acidulated 
by nitric acid, gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of plati- 
num, and scanty white precipitates with nitrate of silver and chlo- 
ride of barium. Composition (HO, KO) ; the equivalent of water 
cannot be driven off by heat. Fifty-six grains dissolved in water 
leave only a trace of sediment, and require for neutralization at 
least 90 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, corres- 
ponding to 42*3 grains of potash. 

Off. Prep. Liquor Potass^:, described above, contains caustic 
potash, and in the British Pharmacopoeia is considered an officinal 
preparation of that substance. 

T herapeutics. The hydrate of potash, and also its mixture 
with equal parts of lime (potassa cum calce), which is not now 
officinal, are used only externally, as caustics, for the formation 
of sloughs, for touching ulcers, &c. ; the advantage of the latter 
depends on its being much less deliquescent : it is applied as a 
paste made with spirit. 



118 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Adulteration. The same as of liquor potassse ; besides which, 
oxides of iron and alumina are often present ; these are not 
soluble in spirit. 

Potasses Carbonas. Carbonate of Potash. 

Prep. From pearl-ashes (made from the ashes of wood) by 
solution in a small amount of water and crystallization, in which 
process most of the other salts contained in the wood are left 
undissolved. By heating the crystallized bicarbonate to redness, 
a very pure dry carbonate of potash is obtained. 

Prop, de Cotnp. Carbonate of potash forms small white and 
rather opaque crystalline grains, having a strong alkaline taste ; 
it deliquesces in the air, and is almost entirely soluble in water 
(quite so, if pure) ; insoluble in spirit, effervescing with dilute 
hydrochloric acid, and forming a solution with which bichlo- 
ride of platinum gives a yellow precipitate ; when supersatu- 
rated with nitric acid and evaporated to dryness, the residue is 
almost entirely soluble in water, only a little silica remaining 
undissolved, and the solution is precipitated only faintly by 
chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. Composition (KO, CO 2 
+ 2 HO). The salt loses about 21 per cent, of its weight when 
exposed to a red heat. 87 grains require for neutralization at 
least 98 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, 
equivalent to about 46 grains of potash. It should be kept in 
a well-stoppered bottle. 

Therapeutics. Almost the same as of potash, but is much less 
caustic, and hence more of the alkali can be introduced into the 
system ; after absorption its effects are the same. Sometimes 
employed externally. 

Pose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. 

Adulteration. Sulphates and chlorides are very apt to be 
present ; detected by the tests above given. 

Potasses Bicarbonas. Bicarbonate of Potash. 

Prep. Made by passing a stream of carbonic acid through 
a solution of the carbonate in water unto saturation, and subse- 
quent crystallization. 

Prop. & Comp. The bicarbonate occurs in large transparent 



POTASS^E ACETAS. 119 

colourless rhombic prisms, not deliquescent, with a mild alkaline 
taste ; soluble in about four times its weight of water. The solu- 
tion, when cold, does not precipitate sulphate of magnesia ; effer- 
vesces with nitric acid ; and the supersaturated solution is not 
precipitated by chloride of barium, or scarcely by nitrate of 
silver. With dilute hydrochloric acid it forms a solution with 
which bichloride of platinum gives a yellow precipitate (double 
chloride of platinum and potassium). Composition (KO, HO, 
2 C0 2 ). Fifty grains exposed to a low red heat leave 34-J grains 
of a white residue, which require for exact saturation 50 measures 
of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 23*5 grains 
of potash. 

Therapeutics. Bicarbonate of potash acts as a direct antacid, 
but does not produce the sedative effect of liquor potassas upon 
the stomach ; it may be taken in very large doses, and is readily 
absorbed. It renders the blood and urine, and probably many 
other secretions, strongly alkaline ; hence it is a powerful altera- 
tive ; the action of the kidneys is likewise often increased. It is 
used in dyspepsia as an antacid ; also in urinary affections where 
there is excessive deposit of uric acid. Bicarbonate of potash 
may be also employed with great advantage in the treatment 
of inflammatory affections, as acute rheumatism, &c. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. as an antacid, &c. ; in acute rheu- 
matism, 30 gr. to 40 gr. every four hours, freely diluted with 
water. 

Adulteration. It is apt to contain carbonate of potash, which 
can be detected by its precipitating sulphate of magnesia. 

Potassse Acetas. Acetate of Potash. 

Prep. Acetic acid, forty ounces, or a sufficiency ; carbonate 
of potash, twenty ounces. To the acetic acid, placed in a thin 
porcelain basin, add gradually the carbonate of potash ; then 
strain ;■ if necessary add a few additional drops of acetic acid ; 
evaporate the liquor until the salt is dried ; then raise the heat 
cautiously so as to liquefy the product. Allow the basin to 
cool ; and when the salt has solidified, and while it is still warm, 
break it in fragments and put into stoppered bottles. Simply a 
substitution of acetic for carbonic acid, which comes off with 
effervescence. 



120 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Prop. & Comp. Foliated satiny masses, this appearance being 
caused by the crystallization after fusion ; neutral in reaction, 
and deliquescent ; very soluble in water, also in alcohol. The 
solution of acetate of potash in water should not be precipitated 
by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver ; or if the silver salt 
does precipitate it, this is again dissolved by water or dilute 
nitric acid. With a watery solution of the salt, tartaric acid 
causes a crystalline precipitate (bitartrate of potash), and a dilute 
solution of perchloride of iron strikes a blood-red colour. The 
solution is unaffected by hydrosulphuret of ammonia. With sul- 
phuric acid it gives off vapours of acetic acid, and yields 88*8 
per cent, of sulphate of potash. Composition (KO, C 4 H 3 3 ). 

Therapeutics. When taken internally in moderate doses and 
diluted it becomes absorbed, and the acetic acid, being destroyed 
or burnt off in the blood, appears in the urine as carbonate, 
rendering that fluid alkaline, and often increasing the secretion ; 
in large doses and concentrated, it produces a slight purgative 
action. It is used chiefly for its diuretic action, in various forms 
of dropsies : sometimes to produce the alkaline effects on the 
blood and secretions. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr. as a diuretic ; as a purgative, 120 gr., 
upwards. 

Adulteration. It may contain traces of sulphates and chlorides, 
detected by the above tests. Acetate of silver is rather insoluble, 
and hence may be precipitated if the solution is very concentrated. 

Fotassae Citras. Citrate of Potash. 

Prep. By neutralizing carbonate of potash with citric acid, 
when carbonic acid gas is liberated and citrate of potash formed, 
each equivalent of citric acid decomposing three equivalents of 
the carbonate of potash, citric acid being tribasic. 

Prop. & Comp. A white deliquescent crystalline powder, 
very soluble in water, feebly acid in taste. Composition (3 KO, 
C 12 H 5 O n ). Heated with sulphuric acid, it forms a brown fluid, 
gives off an inflammable gas, and evolves the odour of acetic acid. 
Its solution, mixed with a solution of chloride of calcium, remains 
clear till it is boiled, when a white precipitate separates (citrate of 
lime), readily soluble in acetic acid. Its solution acidulated with 
hydrochloric acid gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of 



POTASS^E TAETEAS. 121 

platinum : 102 grains heated to redness till gases cease to be 
evolved, leave an alkaline residue (carbonate of potash) which 
requires for exact saturation 100 measures of the volumetric 
solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to 47 grains of potash. 

Therapeutics. Citrate of potash sits easily upon the stomach, 
and is more pleasant to the taste, more readily absorbed into 
the system, and less liable to purge than the other vegetable 
salts of potash. It is a valuable saline febrifuge, increasing the 
secretion from the kidneys. The citrate is readily decomposed 
after absorption into the blood, reduced to a state of carbonate 
of the base, and in this state is eliminated in the urine, ren- 
dering this fluid less acid or even alkaline in reaction. It is 
thus an indirect alkaline remedy, although in the stomach it 
possesses no antacid properties. It may be used with advantage 
in cases of uric acid gravel and allied diseases. 

Dose. 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Potassee Tartras. Tartrate of Potash. 

Prep. Made by boiling the acid or bitartrate with carbonate 
of potash, when an equivalent of water in the acid salt is replaced 
by one of potash, and carbonic acid given off. 

Prop. <& Comp. Small granular crystals, usually without dis- 
tinguishable shape ; its real form is a right rhombic prism ; 
neutral, deliquescent, and very soluble in water ; bitartrate of 
potash is precipitated on the addition of hydrochloric acid to the 
solution. Heated with sulphuric acid it forms a black tarry 
fluid, evolving inflammable gas, and the odour of burned sugar. 
It is entirely dissolved by its own weight of water. 113 grains 
heated to redness, till gases cease to be evolved, leave an 
alkaline residue, which requires for exact saturation 100 measures 
of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 47 grains 
of potash. Composition (2 KO, C 8 H 4 O l0 ), tartaric acid being 
bibasic. 

Therapeutics. In small doses it acts as a diuretic, and is 
changed into the carbonate in the same way as the acetate : in 
larger doses it is purgative, producing watery evacuations. 

Doses. As a diuretic and alterative, 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; as a 
purgative, 120 gr. to 200 gr. 



122 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Adulteration. Some sulphates may be present, which may be 
detected by the tests already given for them. 

Potassae Tartras Adda. Acid Tartrate of Potash. (Cream of 
Tartar, crystallized.) 

Synonym. Potassae Bi tartras. 

Prep. From argol, the deposit which occurs on the inside of 
wine-casks, by purification with charcoal and clay. It is called 
cream of tartar, from the purest crystals being skimmed off the 
saturated solution while evaporating. 

Prop. <& Comp. Cream of tartar occurs as a very fine, 
gritty, white powder : or in fragments of cakes crystallized on 
one surface ; or in small oblique rhombic prisms ; acid, slightly 
soluble in water ; but insoluble in spirit. Composition (HO, 
KO, C 8 H 4 Oio). Heated in a crucible, it evolves inflammable 
gas and the odour of burned sugar, and leaves a black residue 
(carbonate of potash and carbon), which effervesces with dilute 
hydrochloric acid, and forms a solution which, when filtered 
gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of platinum, and when 
neutralised by ammonia is rendered slightly turbid by oxalic 
acid : 188 grains, heated to redness till gas ceases to be evolved, 
leave an alkaline residue, which requires for exact saturation 
100 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent 
to 47 grains of potash. 

Off. Prep. Contained in Pulv. Jalapae Comp., and Confectio 
Sulphuris. 

Therapeutics. In small doses, refrigerant and somewhat diu- 
retic ; in larger doses, a powerful hydragogue purgative, without 
producing much depression. Employed to form an acid drink 
in febrile and dropsical affections, and as a purgative in drop- 
sies, depending upon renal or cardiac disease. 

Dose. As a refrigerant or diuretic, 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; and as a 
hydragogue purgative, 120 gr. to 300 gr. 

Adulteration. Often contains a little tartrate of lime. 

Potassae Sulphas. Sulphate of Potash. 

Prep. From the residuum of the distillation of nitric acid 
when made by treating nitre with sulphuric acid, which consists 
of bisulphate of potash (KO, HO, 2 S0 3 ), not quite pure. This 



POTASS^E SULPHAS. 123 

is dissolved in water, and to the solution slaked lime is added 
until it is alkaline in reaction. The solution is then filtered, 
heated to the boiling point, and carbonate of potash added as 
long as there is any precipitate. It is then refiltered, dilute 
sulphuric acid added, so as to produce a neutral or slightly acid 
solution, evaporated till a film forms on the surface, and then set 
aside to crystallize. 

In this process, the excess of sulphuric acid in the residue 
of the nitric acid process (which is a bisulphate of potash, KO, 
HO, 2 S0 3 ), is removed in the form of sulphate of lime, by 
rendering the solution slightly alkaline with slaked lime. The 
excess of lime is afterwards got rid of by the addition of carbonate 
of potash, and to the filtered fluid dilute sulphuric acid is added so 
as to produce a neutral or slightly acid solution (this ensures 
all the carbonate of potash present being converted into sulphate), 
and the sulphate of potash is allowed after evaporation to 
crystallize out. 

Much of the sulphuric acid is here lost in combination with the 
lime, but as the large scale on which nitric acid is manufactured 
renders the residue of the nitric acid process very cheap, it is 
probably found more economical to sacrifice some of the sul- 
phuric acid than to procure more sulphate of potash by the 
addition of carbonate of potash, which is expensive in comparison 
to the value of the salt produced. 

Prop. (& Comp>. Hard semitransparent crystals, six-sided 
prisms, terminated by corresponding pyramids ; of a bitter saline 
taste, and slightly soluble in water. Its solution, acidulated with 
hydrochloric acid, is precipitated yellow by bichloride of platinum, 
and white by chloride of barium. Crepitates and afterwards 
fuses at a red heat without losing weight. Yields 132 per cent, 
of sulphate of baryta. Composition (KO, S0 3 ). The watery 
solution is neutral to test paper, and is not affected by oxalate 
of ammonia. 

Off. Prep. It is contained in Pulv. Ipecacuanha cum Opio, 

Therapeutics. Mildly purgative. Almost always given in 
combination ; by some it is supposed to be alterative, acting 
on the secreting and excreting organs ; latterly, evidence has 
been given of its acting as a poison in large doses. It is often 



124 MATERIA MEDIOA. 

used on account of its mechanical properties for the purpose 
of more intimately dividing vegetable substances. 

Dose. 20 gr. to 120 gr. as a purgative ; in smaller doses as an 
alterative. 

Potassae Nitras. Nitrate of Potash ; Nitre. 

Prep. Certain soils in India contain nitrates of lime and pot- 
ash ; these, by being treated with wood ashes (carbonate of pot- 
ash), yield nitrate of potash and carbonate of lime ; the former 
is dissolved out and crystallized, and purified by re-solution and 
crystallization. 

Prop. & Comp. Nitrate of potash forms six-sided prisms, 
transparent, striated, with a peculiarly cooling taste, soluble in 
water, not precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver ; 
it fuses, but does not lose weight unless the heat is intense, when 
it gives off oxygen, and is converted into nitrite of potash, which 
last yields nitrous vapours when treated with sulphuric acid ; 
deflagrates with heated charcoal, and forms carbonate of potash ; 
when treated with sulphuric acid, it yields 85 per cent, of sulphate 
of potash ; warmed in a test tube with sulphuric acid and copper 
filings, it evolves ruddy fumes (peroxide of nitrogen). Nitric 
acid can also be shown to be present by dissolving the salt 
in a little water, adding an equal bulk of sulphuric acid, and 
afterwards, when the mixture has cooled, a few drops of a solu- 
tion of protosulphate of iron ; a dark olive colour is produced, 
which is very characteristic. The solution acidulated with 
hydrochloric acid, gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of 
platinum. 

Therapeutics. Nitre is refrigerant and diuretic, it also produces 
some alteration in the condition of the blood, and a powerful seda- 
tive action upon the heart and vascular system. It is used in 
small doses as a refrigerant and diuretic in febrile affections, and 
to allay irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach in in- 
flammatory forms of dyspepsia ; in large doses, as a vascular seda- 
tive in febrile affections, and especially in acute rheumatism. In 
dropsical affections, its action on the kidneys has sometimes proved 
useful. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. as a refrigerant and diuretic ; 20 gr. to 
30 gr. as a vascular sedative. 



POTASS JE PEKMANGANAS. 125 

Adulteration. It may contain traces of sulphate or chloride ; 
detected by chloride of barium and nitrate of silver : lime, if pres- 
ent, would yield a precipitate with oxalate of ammonia. 

Potassee Chloras. Chlorate of Potash, formerly called Oxymu- 
riate of Potash. 

Prep. By passing a stream of chlorine gas through a mixture 
of carbonate of potash and slaked lime ; when saturation has taken 
place, chlorate of potash and chloride of potassium are formed ; 
the former readily crystallizing out on account of its sparing solu- 
bility. 

Prop. & Comp. Colourless transparent tabular crystals with 
four or six sides ; have a cooling taste ; sparingly soluble in water, 
especially when cold : the solution gives no precipitate with nitrate 
of silver ; when a few drops of sulphuric acid are dropped upon 
the crystals, they become orange-red, and give off yellow vapours 
of peroxide of chlorine ; when the salt is rubbed with sulphur in a 
mortar, it detonates. Composition (KO, CI 5 ) ; when heated, it 
first liquefies and then gives off nearly 39 per cent, of oxygen, and 
leaves a white residue, chloride of potassium (K CI), readily form- 
ing with water a neutral solution, which is precipitated white by 
nitrate of silver, and yellow by bichloride of platinum. The solu- 
tion of chlorate of potash is not affected by nitrate of silver or 
oxalate of ammonia. 

Therapeutics. Chlorate of potash acts as a refrigerant and 
diuretic, in a manner similar to nitre ; it has been supposed to 
give oxygen to the system, but this is doubtful : it has, however, 
been employed in low fevers, as scarlatina maligna, typhus and 
typhoid fevers, also in cancrum oris and other sloughing ulcers 
about the mouth and fauces. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr., or more. About 16 parts of cold water 
dissolve 1 part of the salt. 

Adulteration. Chloride of potassium may be present ; detected 
by nitrate of silver. 

Potassse Permanganas. Permanganate of Potash. 

Prep. Chlorate of potash and oxide of manganese, in fine pow- 
der, are mixed together ; caustic potash, dissolved in a small 
quantity of water, is added, and the whole evaporated to dryness, 



126 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

and then exposed to a dull red heat for an hour, till it has assumed 
the condition of a semi-fused mass. This mass is pulverized, boiled 
with water, and the liquid decanted, and accurately neutralized 
with sulphuric acid ; it is then evaporated, and the permanganate 
allowed to crystallize. 

Prop, d? Comp. Permanganate of potash occurs in the form of 
red or dark purple acicular crystals, sometimes reflecting a metal- 
lic green colour, and having a sweet astringent taste. A single 
small crystal is sufficient to colour an ounce of water deep purple, 
which, when mixed with a little rectified spirit and heated, is 
changed to a yellowish brown. This is due to the deoxidation of 
the acid by the organic matter and its reduction to the state of 
binoxide of manganese. The crystals evolve oxygen gas when 
heated, and leave a black residue in which the presence of potash 
may be detected by the usual tests. Five grains dissolved in 
water, require for complete decoloration a solution of 44 grains of 
granulated sulphate of iron, acidulated with 2 fluid drachms of 
dilute sulphuric acid. In this decomposition, the sulphate of the 
protoxide of iron absorbs oxygen from the permanganate, and be- 
comes converted into a per-salt with the aid of the additional sul- 
phuric acid present. 

Off. Prep. Liquor Potass^e Permanganatis. Solution of 
Permanganate of Potash. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Perman- 
ganate of potash, four grains ; distilled water, one fluid ounce.) 

Therapeutics. Permanganate of potash is a powerful an ti- septic 
agent, and as such can be employed with much advantage in the 
form of a gargle or lotion to remove decomposing matter and clean 
diseased surfaces. Administered internally, it has been proposed 
as a remedy in diabetes. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 4 gr. if given internally. Externally, 1 fl. drm. 
of the solution to 5 or 10 oz. of water. 

Bichromate of Potash. Appendix A. 

Prop. <& Comp. Bichromate of potash is met with in large red 
transparent four-sided tables. It is soluble in water ; the aqueous 
solution gives with chloride of barium a yellowish-white precipi- 
tate (chromate of baryta), and with nitrate of silver an orange 
precipitate (chromate of silver), both of which are soluble in nitric 



POTASSII IODEDTJM. 127 

acid. The composition of the bichromate of potash is represented 
by the formula, KO, 2 Cr 3 . 

Therapeutics. Never employed as a medicine. 

Off. Prep. The bichromate is used for making a volumetric 
solution for the estimation of the protosalts of iron. An explana- 
tion of its action when thus employed will be found among the 
volumetric solutions. 

Potassii Iodidum. Iodide of Potassium. 

Prep. The mode of preparing this salt consists in adding iodine 
to a solution of potash, when the following changes ensue (6 KO 
+ I 6 = 5 KI -f KO, I0 5 ). The mixture of the two salts, namely, 
the iodide of potassium and iodate of potash, with a little charcoal 
in fine powder, is heated to redness, by which means the iodate of 
potash is converted into iodide of potassium, the charcoal facili- 
tating the deoxidation. 

Another method, formerly employed, is to form an iodide of 
iron, by bringing together iodine and iron with water, at a moder- 
ate heat ; then adding carbonate of potash to the solution, when 
carbonate of iron and iodide of potassium are formed ; the former 
salt being separated by filtration, the solution by evaporation 
yields the latter in a crystallized state. 

Prop. & Comp. Iodide of potassium forms white semi-trans- 
parent cubic crystals ; without odour if pure, and of a saline taste ; 
as met with in commerce, it occasionally has some odour of free 
iodine ; very soluble in water, and in about six or eight parts of 
rectified spirit ; the solutions should be neutral ; and the watery 
solution, mixed with mucilage of starch, gives a blue colour on the 
addition of a minute quantity of chlorine. Iodide of potassium 
gives a crystalline precipitate with tartaric acid ; but tartaric 
acid and starch should not develope a blue colour ; should they do 
so, it indicates the presence of iodate of potash j for iodic acid, 
being then liberated by the tartaric acid, acts as an oxidizing agent 
upon the hydriodic acid which is formed at the same time, and 
sets free the iodine. Iodide of potassium, when treated with ace- 
tate of lead, gives a yellow precipitate of iodide of lead, soluble in 
boiling water ; but it does not alter lime-water, or chloride of 
barium; with nitrate of silver a pale yellow iodide falls, insoluble 
in solution of ammonia, and the ammoniacal liquid gives with ex- 



128 MATERIA MEDTCA. 

cess of nitric acid no turbidity, showing a freedom from chlorides. 
Composition (KI). 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. Iodide of Potassium 
Ointment. (Iodide of potassium, sixty-four grains ; boiling dis- 
tilled water, one fluid drachm ; prepared lard, one ounce. Dissolve 
the iodide in the water, then mix with the lard.) 

Iodide of potassium is contained also in linimentum iodi, tinc- 
tura iodi, and unguentum iodi compositum ; but in all these prepa- 
rations it is introduced more on account of its solvent than its the- 
rapeutic powers. 

Therapeutics. The action and uses of this drug have been de- 
scribed under Iodine ; it does not possess the local irritant prop- 
erties of free iodine, and hence is more adapted for internal ad- 
ministration. The ointment may be used when the slow action of 
the iodide upon a diseased part is desired. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 10 gr., or more. 

Adulteration. The salt may be damp, from the presence of 
water ; it may also contain many impurities, as carbonate of pot- 
ash, chlorides of sodium and potassium, iodate of potash, free 
iodine, &c, all detectable by the tests above given. When iodate 
of potash exists in the salt, from the imperfect ignition of the 
mixed iodide and iodate, the ointment is apt to become yellow, 
owing to the decomposition of the iodic acid by the animal matter. 

Potassii Bromidum. Bromide of Potassium. 

Prep. The same as iodide of potassium, substituting an equiva- 
lent quantity of bromine for iodine. It can also be formed by the 
second or iron process. 

Prop. & Comp. This saU forms white transparent cubic 
crystals, closely resembling the iodide, with no odour, but a pun- 
gent saline taste, readily soluble in water, less soluble in spirit. 
Its watery solution gives a white crystalline precipitate with tar- 
taric acid. When its solution is mixed with a little chlorine, ether 
agitated with it, on rising to the surface exhibits a red colour. A 
solution of the salt mixed with mucilage of starch and a drop of 
an aqueous solution of bromine, does not exhibit any blue colour, 
indicating the absence of iodine. Composition (K Br). Ten 
grains require for complete decomposition 84 measures of the 



POTASS A SULPHITE ATA. 129 

volumetric solution of nitrate of silver, equivalent to 6*72 grains 
of bromine. 

Therapeutics. Bromide of potassium, when pure, does not give 
rise to the symptoms of coryza produced by the iodide. It acts 
as a powerful alterative, and may be used with advantage in cer- 
tain forms of chronic disease, as syphilitic skin affections, &c. In 
large doses, sleepiness, drowsiness, and dull headache are some- 
times produced, and in still larger doses it causes some loss of 
power over the lower extremities, and exerts a most powerful 
influence on the generative organs, lowering their functions in a 
remarkable degree ; it is found to be a most valuable remedy in 
diseases dependent on and accompanied by excitement or over- 
action of these organs, and may be given with advantage in 
nymphomania, priapism, ■ and certain forms of menorrhagia ; as 
likewise in nervous convulsive diseases dependent on uterine 
irritation, and in some ovarian tumours. It appears also to pro- 
duce an anaesthetic condition of the larynx and pharynx, and 
hence has been usefully employed in examinations and operations 
on these parts. 

Dose. 5 gr. to 15 gr. and upwards. 

Adulteration. A few years since bromide of potassium was apt 
to contain iodide of potassium, sometimes in large amounts ; this 
can be detected by the starch test above given. It may likewise 
contain bromate of potash (KO, Br 5 ). 

Potassa Sulphurata. Sulphurated Potash ; [Potassii Sulphur- 
etum. U. S.] Hepar Sulphuris. 

Synonym. Potassii Sulphuretum. Lond. 

Prep. By mixing together sulphur and carbonate of potash, 
and afterwards heating in a crucible till they have combined. 

Prop. & Comp. A brown liver-coloured mass, which is brittle, 
slightly deliquescent, having a strong odour of sulphuretted hydro- 
gen, especially when moist, and an acrid disagreeable taste ; 
soluble in water, forming a yellow solution ; the solution is pre- 
cipitated by acids, with the deposition of sulphur, and strikes black 
with the salts of lead. The acid fluid when boiled and filtered is 
precipitated yellow by bichloride of platinum, and white by 
chloride of barium. It consists chiefly of tersulphuret of potas- 
sium (KSg), with some sulphate of potash ; about three-fourths of 
10 



130 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

its weight (sulphuret of potassium) should be dissolved by recti- 
fied spirit. 

Therapeutics. In small doses it acts as a stimulant diaphoretic 
and expectorant, and is sometimes employed in the treatment of 
chronic skin diseases, as scabies and psoriasis ; also in chronic 
rheumatism, and certain cases of bronchitis. Externally in the 
form of ointment, bath, or lotion, in the above-named affections. 
It is poisonous in very large doses. 

Dose. 3 gr. to 6 gr., in pill ; in ointment, about 60 gr. to 1 
oz. of lard. 

Adulteration. When exposed, this compound becomes pale 
from oxidation and the formation of sulphate of potash. 

Potassii Ferrocyanidum. Appendix A. Ferrocyanide of 
Potassium ; Yellow Prussiate of Potash. 

Prep. This salt is always formed when carbonate of potash 
and animal matters, as hoofs, horns, &c, are heated to redness 
along with iron, as in an iron pot, or with iron nails ; from the in- 
cinerated mass, when cool, the salt can be dissolved out, and 
crystallized from the filtered solution. 

Prop. & Comp. Ferrocyanide of potassium forms large yel- 
low transparent, rhombic octahedrons, with truncated apices, 
having a saline and sweetish bitter taste ; soluble in water ; the 
solution is not altered either by alkalies or tincture of galls ; it 
gives a precipitate with sulphate of iron, which is at first white, 
but soon changes to blue ; with sulphate of copper a chocolate 
brown or maroon red, and with sulphate of zinc a white precipi- 
tate. By heat ferrocyanide of potassium first loses 12*6 per cent. 
of water, and becomes white ; and is afterwards decomposed, 
leaving an ash soluble in hydrochloric acid, and precipitated by 
ammonia. This precipitate, consisting of sesquioxide of iron, 
amounts to 18*7 per cent, of the salt. When heated with dilute 
sulphuric acid, an odour of hydrocyanic acid is evolved. Com- 
position (2 K Cy + Fe Cy + 3 HO), or a double cyanide of 
potassium and iron. In the Pharmacopoeia its formula is thus 
represented, K 2 Fe Cy 3 + 3 HO. Cyanogen (Cy)=C 2 N. 

Use. It is employed in the preparation of hydrocyanic acid, 
and not used medicinally ; although represented above as a double 
.cyanide, the grouping of the elements is probably not in that form ; 



LIQUOR SOD^E. 131 

for the salt is by no means poisonous even in large doses ; there 
are also chemical, as well as therapeutic, reasons in favour of its 
containing a peculiar radical. A watery solution of the ferrocy- 
anide of potassium is used for testing. 

Ferridcyanide of Potassium. Red Prussiate of Potash. 
Appendix B. 

Prop. & Comp. K 3 Fe 2 Cy 6 . In prismatic crystals of a fine 
red colour ; soluble in water. The solution gives no precipitate 
with the persulphate of iron, but a dark blue with the protosalts 
of this metal. Introduced as a test into the Pharmacopoeia to 
distinguish between the proto- and per-salts of iron. 

[Potassii Cyanidum. Cyanide of Potassium. U. S. Made by heat- 
ing together Ferrocyanide of Potassium and Carbonate of Potassa. 
The newly formed cyanide, while melted, is poured carefully off 
the precipitated oxide of iron. It occurs in white opaque, 
amorphous masses, having the smell and taste of hydrocyanic acid. 
Its medicinal properties are identical with those of hydrocyanic 
acid, and it has the advantage of being a much more stable com- 
pound. Dose, •§• of a grain, which may be gradually and care- 
fully increased to J a grain.] 

Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] A com- 
pound containing potash. It is described under Olive Oil. 

SODIUM. 

(Na. Eq.=23.) 

This metal, called also Natrium, is contained in the soda salts, 
but does not exist native ; when pure, it resembles silver in colour, 
but is soft ; sp. gr. 0*97 ; rapidly oxidizes, and forms a protoxide, 
the alkali soda. 

Liquor Sodee. Solution of Soda. 

Prep. Carbonate of soda, one pound ; slaked lime, twelve 
ounces ; distilled water, a gallon. Prepared in the same manner 
as directed for the solution of potash. The changes which take 
place in this process are exactly the same as those which occur in 
forming liquor potassae. 

Prop. <& Corn]). Liquor sodae is a colourless liquid, with intensely 
caustic taste ; sp. gr. 1*047. [1.071. U. S.] One fluid ounce requires 



132 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

for neutralization 47 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic 
acid, equivalent to 14*57 grains of alkali. In most of its charac- 
ters it resembles liquor potassas, except that it is not precipitated 
by bichloride of platinum, or tartaric acid, and is precipitated by 
a solution of antimoniate of potash, the antimoniate of soda being 
a very insoluble salt. When heated with an excess of dilute 
nitric acid and evaporated to dryness, the residue forms with 
water a clear solution, which is rendered turbid by chloride of 
barium and by nitrate of silver, but not by ammonia, indicating 
traces of sulphates and chlorides, and the absence of metallic im- 
purities (iron, &c). 

Therapeutics & Use, The action upon the system would pro- 
bably be almost the same as that of liquor of potassae. It is em- 
ployed in the preparation of sulphurated antimony, and in other 
processes. 

Dose. 10 min. to 1 fl. drm., freely diluted. 

Soda Caustica. Caustic Soda ; Hydrate of Soda. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] 

Prep. Made by evaporating solution of soda to an oily con- 
sistence, and pouring it on a clean silver or iron plate to 
solidify. 

Prop. & Comp. It occurs in white fragments or cakes, alka- 
line and corrosive. Soluble in water ; its solution in water 
acidulated by nitric acid gives scanty white precipitates with 
nitrate of silver and chloride of barium. Forty grains dissolved 
in water leave scarcely any sediment, and require for neutraliza- 
tion about ninety measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic 
acid, corresponding to 27*9 grains of soda. Composition (Na 
0, HO). 

Off. Prep. Liquor Sod^e, above described, contains caustic 
soda, and in the British Pharmacopoeia is considered an officinal 
preparation of that substance. 

Therapeutics. Soda may be employed externally as a caustic, 
in the same manner as potash. It is less deliquescent, and there- 
fore more convenient, but likewise probably somewhat less power- 
ful. It may be cast into sticks for medicinal use. 

Sodae Carbonas. Carbonate of Soda. 



SOD^E BICAKBONAS. 133 

Prep. Formerly derived from kelp or barilla, the ashes ob- 
tained from burning sea- weeds, and species of salsola ; it is now 
almost always made from common salt, by converting the chloride 
of sodium into a sulphate by means of sulphuric acid, and after- 
wards, by combustion with small coal and chalk, resolving this 
salt into a sulphuret, and then into a carbonate ; it is manufactured 
on a very large scale. 

Prop. & Gomp. Carbonate of soda forms large rhombic octa- 
hedrons, colourless, transparent except on the surface, with an 
alkaline and caustic taste ; it effloresces and crumbles when ex- 
posed to air ; it imparts a yellow colour to flame ; very soluble in 
water ; dissolves with effervescence in hydrochloric acid, forming 
a solution which does not precipitate with chloride of platinum. 
By heat it undergoes aqueous fusion, and loses 63 per cent, of its 
weight. When supersaturated with nitric acid it precipitates 
slightly, or not at all, with chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. 
One hundred and forty-three grains require for neutralization at 
least 96 measures of the standard solution of oxalic acid. Com- 
position (Na 0, CO 2 +10 HO). 

Off. Prep. Sod.e Carbonas Exsiccata. Dried Carbonate of 
Soda. (Carbonate of soda, eight ounces. Apply heat to the car- 
bonate, until the crystals fall to powder, and afterwards heat it 
to redness ; lastly, rub it to powder.) It is simply the last salt 
deprived of its water of crystallization, which amounts to 62*93 
per cent, by heat ; it is soluble in water, and contains 41*51 per 
cent, of carbonic acid, and 58*49 of soda. Composition (Na 
0, C0 2 ). 

Therapeutics. The action of carbonate of soda resembles that 
of the corresponding salt of potash, but is perhaps less caustic. 
The general effects of soda salts will be described under Soda 
Bicarbonas. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. Of sodas carbonas exsiccata, 5 gr. to 
15 gr. : this last is convenient when it is desired to administer 
the drug in powder or pill. 

Adulteration. It usually contains a little sulphate of soda, 
detected by the baryta test above given. 

Sod® Bicarbonas. Bicarbonate of Soda. 



134 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Prep. From the carbonate, in the same way as the bicarbo- 
nate of potash is prepared. 

Prop. <& Comp. It forms an opaque white powder, or minute 
crystals, slightly alkaline, and not caustic ; soluble in water ; it 
dissolves with much effervescence in dilute hydrochloric acid, 
forming a solution which does not precipitate with bichloride of 
platinum, nor with sulphate of magnesia, unless heated (this last 
negative test distinguishes it from the proto-carbonate) : when 
supersaturated with nitric acid, its solution scarcely precipitates 
with chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. It loses a portion 
of its carbonic acid at 212°. Eighty-four grains exposed to a 
red heat leave 53 of an alkaline residue (carbonate of soda), 
which requires for neutralization 100 measures of the volumetric 
solution of oxalic acid. It gives a precipitate with antimoniate 
of potash. Composition (Na 0, C0 2 + HO, C0 2 ). 

Therapeutics. Very similar to bicarbonate of potash, and 
almost all that has been stated of the action of that salt applies 
to this, except that the urate of soda is very much less soluble 
than the potash salt, and hence soda is less adapted for the treat- 
ment of the uric acid diathesis. Other differences probably exist, 
but are not well made out. Some practitioners are of opinion that 
the bicarbonate of soda agrees better with the stomach than the 
potash salt. 

Pose. 10 gr. to 60 gr. 

Adulteration. Carbonate and sulphate of soda in an efflores- 
cent state, detected by the magnesia and baryta tests. 

Sodee Arsenias. See Arsenical Preparations. 

Soda© Sulphas. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in XL'S. P.] Sulphate 
of Soda ; Glauber's Salts. 

Prep. By treatiug common salt with sulphuric acid in the 
process for making hydrochloric acid ; it is found native, and 
exists in sea-water. 

Prop. & Comp. It forms six-sided oblique rhombic prisms, 
which are deeply channelled ; colourless, transparent, neutral, 
with a bitter saline taste ; effloresces in air, soluble in water ; in 
a dilute solution scarcely any precipitate is produced with nitrate 
of silver, showing only a trace of chloride to be present ; it con- 



HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA. 135 

tains 55*5 per cent, of water, and yields with chloride of barium 
71 per cent, of sulphate of baryta. Composition (Na 0, S0 3 + 
10 HO). 

Therapeutics. It acts as a saline purgative, and in small doses 
as a diuretic ; was formerly much employed, but at present sul- 
phate of magnesia is generally substituted for it on account of its 
more agreeable taste. The so-called Cheltenham Salts consist 
chiefly of sulphate of soda. 

Dose. J oz. to 1 oz. When effloresced, the dose is smaller. 
Acetate of Soda. Appendix A. 

Prop. & Comp. Acetate of soda is a crystalline salt having 
the formula, Na 0, C 4 H 5 3 + 6 HO. It is soluble in water, but 
slightly so in alcohol. The watery solution, when dilute, should 
not be precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver, 
showing the absence of sulphates and chlorides. It is used in the 
preparation of glacial acetic acid, and also as a test solution for 
qualitative analysis. 

Therapeutics. Acetate of soda is rarely used as medicine ; it 
acts as a mild diuretic, less powerful than acetate of potash. 

Dose. 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Sodse Sulphis. Sulphite of Soda. (Not officinal.) [OfficinaL 
U. S. P.] 

Prep. By neutralizing the bisulphite of soda with carbonate 
of soda, and crystallizing. The bisulphite is formed by saturating 
a solution of carbonate of soda with sulphurous acid gas. 

Prop. & Comp. White prisms, having a slight odour of sul- 
phurous acid ; soluble in water. Composition (Na 0, S0 2 + 8 
HO). 

Therapeutics. The same as sulphurous acid, and adapted for 
internal administration in cases of chronic vomiting connected 
with the presence of sarcinse ventriculi in the stomach. It may 
also be applied in the form of lotion (see Acidum sulphurosum). 

Dose. 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Hyposulphite of Soda. Appendix B. [Not officinal in 
U.S. P.] 

It occurs in large rhombic prisms with oblique faces, which are 
very soluble in water. The hyposulphite of soda, in common with 
other soluble hyposulphites has the peculiar property of dissolving 



136 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

chloride of silver, and also of rendering colourless a solution of 
iodine ; the explanation of this latter phenomenon will be found 
among the volumetric tests. Its composition is represented by 
the formula, Na 0, S 2 2 + 5 HO. 

Use. It is introduced into the Appendix of the Pharmacopoeia 
for the formation of one of the volumetric solutions. 

Therapeutics. The same as the Sulphite ; when decomposed 
sulphurous acid is set free along with sulphur. 
Dose. 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Nitrate of Soda. Appendix A. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prop. & Comp. A deliquescent salt crystallizing in obtuse 
rhombohedra ; it is soluble in water ; the solution should give no 
precipitate with nitrate of silver or chloride of barium, show- 
ing the absence of chlorides and sulphates. Composition (Na 
0, NO,). 

Therapeutics. It is not employed in medicine, but is introduced 
for making the nitrite of soda. 

Nitrite of Soda. Appendix A. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. By heating in a clay crucible, to dull redness, one pound 
of nitrate of soda, with an ounce and a quarter of recently burned 
charcoal in fine powder. In this process the nitrate is partially 
deoxidized by means of the charcoal. 

Prop. & Comp. The nitrate is a fusible salt, occurring in white 
fragments, opaque, soluble in water and rectified spirit. The 
watery solution gives a precipitate with nitrate of silver (nitrite 
of silver), which dissolves when the solution is heated. When a 
fragment is moistened with a solution of sulphate of copper it 
acquires a fine emerald green colour from the formation of the 
green nitrite of copper. Tartaric acid, added to a strong solu- 
tion, developes ruddy fumes, by setting free the nitrous acid, but 
gives no precipitate, showing that no potash is present. Compo- 
sition (Na 0, N0 3 ). 

Use. It is used in the formation of Spiritus iEtheris Nitrosi. 
Sodee Phosphas. Phosphate of Soda; Tasteless Purging Salts. 

Prep. Formed by digesting bone ash (phosphate of lime) in 
sulphuric acid, neutralizing the liberated phosphoric acid with 
carbonate of soda, filtering, and crystallizing. 



BOEAX. 137 

Prop. & Comp. Phosphate of soda forms large, transparent, 
oblique, rhombic prisms, with a mild saline taste, efflorescing in 
the air. It imparts a yellow colour to flame, is alkaline in reac- 
tion, very soluble in water, and is precipitated white by chloride 
of barium, the precipitate (phosphate of baryta) being soluble 
without effervescence in dilute nitric acid ; with nitrate of silver 
it throws down the yellow phosphate, also soluble in nitric acid ; 
it loses 63 per cent, of water at a dull red heat, and the remaining 
salt dissolved in water gives with chloride of barium a precipitate 
entirely soluble in dilute nitric acid, and with nitrate of silver a 
precipitate of a white colour, owing to the change of the tribasic 
acid into pyrophosphoric acid, by the action of heat. Composition 
(2NaO, HO,P0 5 +24HO). 

Therapeutics, In large doses it acts as a mild saline purga- 
tive ; in smaller ones as a diuretic, altering also the condition of 
the urine, rendering it alkaline, and increasing its solvent power 
for uric acid ; sometimes employed as a pleasant purgative for 
children and delicate persons, and frequently in the uric acid 
diathesis. 

Dose. As a purgative, J oz. to 1 oz. ; as a diuretic, 30 gr. to 
120 gr. — given in mutton broth it is almost tasteless. 

Adulteration. It frequently contains a little phosphate of lime, 
which renders the solution milky. 
Borax. Borax , Biborate of Soda. [Sodae Boras. TJ. S.] 

Synonym. Sodae Biboras. Dub, 

Prep. Found native in Thibet, and imported from India as 
tincal or crude borax ; made also in Tuscany by neutralizing the 
boracic acid, obtained from the lagoons with carbonate of soda. 

Prop, and Comp. Flattened six-sided prisms, semitransparent, 
with a slight alkaline reaction and saline taste, efflorescent ; in- 
soluble in rectified spirit ; pretty soluble in water, especially when 
hot ; and from this solution, on the addition of any of the mineral 
acids, crystalline scales of boracic acid are thrown down ; the 
solution of boracic acid in spirit burns with a green flame ; it 
loses its water and fuses when heated. Composition (Na 0, 2 B 
3 -f 10 HO) : 191 grains dissolved in 10 fluid ounces of distilled 
water require for saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solu- 
tion of oxalic acid, equivalent to 31 grains of soda. 



138 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

Off. Prep. Mel Bokacis. Honey of Borax. [Mel Sodse 
Boratis. U. S.] (Powdered borax, sixty-four grains ; [sixty grains. 
U. S.] honey, one ounce. Mix.) 

Therapeutics. Borax acts as a mild alkali upon the alimentary 
canal, and after absorption tends to render the fluids alkaline, 
and to produce diuresis : other powers have been attributed to it, 
viz., a specific action upon the uterus, causing contraction. It 
is used sometimes as a diuretic and antacid, sometimes combined with 
ergot to produce expulsion of the placenta, and as an emmenagogue. 
Externally it is used mixed with honey, or as a gargle, to aphthous 
conditions of the tongue and throat, and in mercurial salivation. 

Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr. 

Liquor Sodse Chloratse. Solution of Chlorinated Soda. [Liquor 
Sodse Chlorinata. U. S.] 

Prep. Carbonate of soda, twelve ounces ; distilled water, 
forty-five fluid ounces ; chloride of sodium, four ounces ; binoxide 
of manganese, three ounces ; sulphuric acid, two fluid ounces and 
a half. Dissolve the carbonate in thirty-six ounces of the water ; 
then put the chloride and binoxide, rubbed to powder, into a 
retort, and add to them the sulphuric acid, previously mixed with 
three fluid ounces of water, and cooled. Heat the mixture, and 
pass the chlorine first through five fluid ounces of water, and 
afterwards into the solution of carbonate made as above directed. 
[Chlorinated lime, twelve troy ounces ; carbonate of soda, twenty- 
four troy ounces ; water, twelve pint:. Rub the chlorinated 
lime gradually with small portions of water, until a smooth, uni- 
form mixture is obtained. Mix this intimately with water until 
nine pints have been used. Decant the clear liquor and pass the 
residue through a muslin strainer, until in all eight pints have 
been obtained. Mix this thoroughly with the carbonate of soda, 
dissolved in three pints of water. Transfer the mixture to a 
muslin strainer and allow it to drain, adding water, if necessary, 
until eleven pints and a half have passed. Keep in well stopped 
bottles, protected from the light. U. S.] 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless or pale yellow liquid, having 
the 'odour of chlorine, a pungent taste, and alkaline reaction, with 
the power of bleaching vegetable colours, turmeric paper being 
first made brown, and the colour afterwards speedily destroyed ; 
indigo is also decolorized by it ; when lime-water is added, a 



SODH CHLOEEDTJM. 139 

precipitate of carbonate of lime is thrown down ; it effervesces 
with hydrochloric acid, evolving chlorine and carbonic acid, and 
forming a solution which does not precipitate with bichloride of 
platinum. It contains in solution a peculiar compound of soda 
and chlorine, by many thought to be bichloride of soda 
(Na 0, CI 0), together with bicarbonate of soda and chloride of 
sodium ; when exposed to the air, from the absorption of the 
carbonic acid, and more especially when an acid is added to it, 
free chlorine is evolved. It is not precipitated by oxalate of 
ammonia. Sp. gr. 1*03. [1*045. U. S.] One fluid drachm, ad- 
ded to a solution of 20 grains of iodide of potassium in 4 fluid 
ounces of water, and acidulated with 2 fluid drachms of hydro- 
chloric acid, requires for the discharge of the brown colour which 
the mixture assumes (from the liberation of iodine) 43 measures 
of the volumetric solution of hyposulphite of soda, equivalent to 
1*52 grains of chlorine. 

Off. Prep. Cataplasma Sod.e Chlorate. Poultice of 
Chlorinated Soda. (Boiling water, eight fluid ounces ; powdered 
linseed, four ounces ; solution of chlorinated soda, two fluid ounces. 
Stir constantly, add the linseed to the water by degrees, then 
mix in the chlorinated soda.) 

Therapeutics. Internally it acts as an antiseptic and stimulant, 
and has been given with success in low malignant fevers, as scar- 
latina, &c. Externally, in the form of cataplasm or solution, it is 
applied to correct the foetor of unhealthy or gangrenous parts, 
and also to stimulate to more healthy action. As a gargle it is 
useful in ulcerated sore throats, and in ulcerated mouths from the 
use of mercury. 

Dose. 10 min. to 20 min., or more, diluted with 1 fl. oz. of 
water ; or as a gargle, J fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. in the $ pint of water. 

The test of its goodness is the free evolution of chlorine when 
an acid is added to it. 
Sodii Chloridum. Chloride of Sodium ; Common Salt. 

Found in Cheshire as rock-salt, and in brine springs ; also in 
sea-water, &c. 

Prop. (& Comp. Transparent cubes, soluble in water and 
spirit, but not in absolute alcohol, imparting a yellow colour to 
flame. The solution is not precipitated by bichloride of platinum, 
but gives a white precipitate with nitrate of silver, soluble in 



140 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid. Composition (Na CI). It 
should be free from moisture ; the solution is not rendered hazy 
by chloride of barium, nor by phosphate of soda after the addition 
of a mixed solution of ammonia and hydrochlorate of ammonia, 
showing the absence of sulphates, and of magnesia. 

Therapeutics. A necessary article of food, contained in blood 
and other animal fluids. A deficiency of it causes disease, the 
production of worms, &c. In large doses it is emetic and purga- 
tive ; in milder ones, it acts as a slight stimulant and alterative. 
Externally applied, it is also stimulant and rubefacient. Some- 
times used in the form of sea-water as an emetic, purgative, and 
anthelmintic ; also as an adjunct to clysters : its internal employ- 
ment, however, is chiefly as a condiment. Sponging and bathing 
in salt-water, aided or not with friction, are valuable in many 
affections, as chronic rheumatism, joint affections, &c. 

Dose. A tablespoonful or more as an emetic. 

Sodae et Potassse Tartras. Tartrate of Soda and Potash ; 
Rochelle Salt. 

Prep. Made by saturating bitartrate of potash with carbonate 
of soda, when the basic equivalent of water is replaced by one of 
soda, and carbonic acid given off. 

Prop. & Comp. Four or six-sided prisms, generally occurring 
in half crystals, neutral in reaction, entirely soluble in cold water, 
tasting like common salt. When sulphuric acid is added to a 
strong solution, bitartrate of potash is precipitated. Nitrate of 
silver and chloride of barium throw down no precipitate, or only 
such as is dissolved by water. Heated with sulphuric acid it 
blackens and evolves inflammable gas. It imparts a yellow colour 
to flame. Composition (Na 0, KO, C 8 H 4 O 10 + 8 HO). Forty- 
seven grains heated to redness till gases cease to be evolved, leave 
an alkaline residue, which requires for neutralization 30 measures 
of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. 

Therapeutics. A mild saline purgative, in large doses ; in 
smaller ones, diuretic ; and producing an alkaline condition of the 
fluids in the same way as tartrate of potash : it is employed under 
exactly similar circumstances. 

Dose. As a purgative, 120 gr. to \ oz. ; as. a diuretic, 30 gr. 
to 60 gr. 



zinc. 141 

Soap and Valerianate of Soda will be treated of under the 
heads of Olive Oil and Valerian. 

STANNUM. TIN. 

(Sn. Eq.=59.) 
Granulated Tin. Appendix B. 

Grain Tin, prepared by fusing and pouring it into cold water, 
is now introduced for the preparation of chloride of tin. 

Therapeutics. This metal is not, at the present time, often used 
as a medicine, but was formerly employed in the form of powder, 
pulvis stanni, as an anthelmintic, given in about half-ounce doses, 
mixed with honey, treacle, or some confection : it is supposed by 
some to act simply as a mechanical agent ; by others, on account 
of the hydrogen set free by the action of the gastric juice on the 
metal. 
Solution of Chloride of Tin. Appendix B. 

Prep. By dissolving tin in dilute hydrochloric acid by the aid 
of heat. One ounce of the metal is contained in five fluid ounces 
of the solution. 

Prop., Corrvp., & Use. The solution containing the protochlo- 
ride of the metal (Sn CI) is a powerful deoxidizing agent ; it gives 
with solutions containing gold, a purple colour, and is used in 
testing. 

ZINCUM. ZINC. 

(Zn. Eq.=32-5.) 
Zinc, and Granulated Zinc. Appendix. 

Prep. Obtained from the sulphuret, Blende, or the native car- 
bonate, Calamine, by distillation with carbonaceous matters. 
Granulated zinc is prepared by fusing zinc and pouring it into 
cold water. 

Prop. & Comp. A bluish-white crystalline metal ; sp. gr. 6*86 ; 
soluble in dilute hydrochloric and sulphuric acids with evolution 
of hydrogen, also in nitric acid. The gas evolved on the addition 
of pure sulphuric acid does not blacken a piece of paper moistened 
with acetate of lead, and when ignited gives no dark stain to the 
lid of a porcelain crucible held low down in the flame, showing 
that the metal is free from sulphur and arsenic. The precipitate 



142 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

thrown down by ammonia is re-dissolved by excess of that reagent. 
Used in pharmacy for the preparation of the chloride. 

Zinci Oxidum. Oxide of Zinc. 

Prep. Made by heating the carbonate of zinc in a loosely cov- 
ered crucible exposed to a dull red heat ; the carbonic acid is 
driven off, and the oxide of zinc remains. 

Prop. & Comp. A white .powder, without odour or taste, be- 
coming pale yellow by heat, insoluble in water, but soluble in hy- 
drochloric and other acids, and forming white dilute sulphuric 
acid a solution which gives a white precipitate with hydrosulphuret 
of ammonia. Oxide of zinc dissolves, without effervescence, in 
diluted nitric acid ; the solution is not affected by chloride of 
barium or nitrate of silver, and gives a white precipitate with 
carbonate of ammonia, which dissolves entirely without colour in 
excess of the reagent ; the three latter reactions indieating the 
absence of sulphates, chlorides, alumina, iron, or other metallic 
impurities. In composition it is a protoxide (Zn 0). 

Off. Prep. Unguentum # Zinci Oxidi. Ointment of oxide 
of Zinc. (Oxide of zinc, eighty grains ; simple ointment, one 
ounce. Mix them together.) 

Therapeutics. A tonic, especially to the nervous system ; also 
somewhat astringent : locally applied, a slight astringent and 
desicant. Used chiefly in chorea, hysteria, and epilepsy ; and 
externally, to excoriated surfaces and slight ulcerations. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 10 gr., or more in pill or powder. 

Adulteration. Chalk, carbonate of magnesia ; detected by 

effervescing, and the special tests of these bodies. Starch has 

sometimes been used to adulterate this oxide. 

Calamina Praeparata. Prepared Calamine. ($~ot officinal.) 

An oxide of zinc, prepared from calamine, the native carbonate 

of zinc, by heat and elutriation. 

Prop. <& Comp. A greyish powder, almost entirely soluble in 
dilute sulphuric acid, with scarcely any effervescence ; and the 
precipitate thrown down by ammonia or potash is redissolved 
by excess of these reagents. 

Ceratum Calamine. Cerate of Calamine ; Turner's Cerate, 
contained in London Pharmacopoeia, 1851. (Prepared calamine, 



ZESTOI CHLOKIDUM. 143 

wax, of each, seven ounces and a half; olive oil, one pint. Mix 
the oil with the melted wax, then remove them from the fire, and 
when they first begin to thicken add the calamine, and stir con- 
stantly until they cool.) 

Therapeutics, Only used externally as a desiccant ; it possesses 
no advantages over the pure oxide of zinc. 

Adulteration. As found in shops, it often contains little or 
none of the oxide of zinc ; but consists of sulphate of baryta, 
coloured, an impurity detected by its weight and insolubility. 

Zinci Ohloridum. Chloride of Zinc. 

Prep. Made by dissolving granulated zinc in hydrochloric 
acid, digesting for some hours with heat, filtering, and adding 
solution of chlorine, until the fluid acquires a permanent odour 
of that gas ; afterwards adding carbonate of zinc in small quan- 
tities at a time, until a brown sediment appears ; this is sepa- 
rated, and the fluid evaporated to a proper consistence and poured 
into moulds to solidify. 

The use of the chlorine, and carbonate of zinc is to peroxidize 
and precipitate any iron. 

Prop, dk Comp. A white, crystalline, semi-transparent mass, 
in rods or tablets, rapidly absorbing water if exposed to the air, 
and deliquescing ; soluble in rectified spirit, in water and in 
ether. The watery solution is precipitated white by hydrosulphuret 
of ammonia and nitrate of silver, but if first acidulated with hydro- 
chloric acid, it is not affected by sulphuretted hydrogen. The 
aqueous solution is likewise precipitated by ammonia and potash 
but the precipitate is redissolved by excess of these reagents ; 
also precipitated by carbonate of soda, or potash, but not redis- 
solved by excess of these reagents. Composition (Zn CI). The 
following are the tests for the purity of this salt : its watery 
solution is not affected by chloride of barium or oxalate of ammonia 
and is not tinged blue by the ferrocyanide or the ferridcyanide 
of potassium, showing the absence of sulphates, lime, and iron. 
The white precipitate thrown down by ammonia is entirely soluble 
in excess of that reagent. 

Therapeutics. When applied externally in substance, or made 
into a paste with flour or gypsum, it acts as a powerful escharotic ; 



144 MATERIA MEDICA. 

in solution, as a stimulant and astringent ; internally in small 
doses, as a nervine tonic. A solution of chloride of zinc, sp. gr. 
2*0, is used as a deodorizer and disinfectant, under the name 
of Sir W. Burnett's Solution. 

Dose. Internally, \ gr. to 1 gr. or 2 gr. 

Zinci Sulphas. Sulphate of Zinc ; White Vitriol. 

Prep. By dissolving zinc in dilute sulphuric acid, filtering and 
mixing with a solution of chlorine, and subsequently adding 
carbonate of zinc, as directed in the preparation of the chloride ; 
evaporating, and crystallizing. 

Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of zinc is in large or small crystals, 
of the same form as sulphate of magnesia ; slightly efflorescent ; 
soluble in water ; precipitated and again re-dissolved by ammonia ; 
precipitated by chloride of barium and hydrosulphuret of ammonia. 
Composition (Zn 0, S0 3 +7 HO). Its watery solution is not 
tinged purple by tincture of galls, and when acidulated with 
hydrochloric or sulphuric acid is not precipitated by sulphuretted 
hydrogen. Boiled a few minutes with a little nitric acid, it yields 
with ammonia, a white precipitate, entirely soluble without 
colour in excess of the reagent, showing the absence of iron, &c. 

Therapeutics. In small doses it acts as an astringent, and 
nervine tonic ; in large doses as a quick, direct emetic ; exter- 
nally, as a powerful astringent. It is used as a tonic chiefly in 
diseases of the nervous system, as in chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, 
and allied spasmodic affections ; and when gradually increased, 
tolerance soon becomes established : sometimes it is given as 
an astringent in chronic passive discharges, as in leucorrhcea, 
gleet, and bronchorrhcea. In large doses, as an emetic, it is used 
when the rapid emptying of the stomach is desired without the 
production of much depression, as in narcotic poisoning, phthisis, 
and dyspepsia. Externally, in solutions of different strengths, 
it is employed as a lotion or injection, as in ophthalmia, gleet, 
&c. 

Dose. As a tonic, or astringent, 1 gr. to 10 gr., or more, in 
pills, or solution ; as an emetic, 10 gr. to 30 gr. Externally, from 
1 gr. to 30 gr. may be dissolved in an ounce of water. 

Zinci Carbonas. Carbonate of Zinc. 



zmci ACETAS. 145 

Prep. By precipitating a solution of sulphate of zinc with car- 
bonate of soda, washing and drying the precipitate. 

Prop. & Gomp. A white powder, without odour or taste, insolu- 
ble in water, soluble with effervescence, and without residue, in 
dilute sulphuric acid, the solution giving a white precipitate with 
hydrosulphuret of ammonia. The solution in nitric acid gives no 
precipitate with chloride of barium or nitrate of silver ; and with 
carbonate of ammonia, a white precipitate entirely soluble without 
colour in excess of the reagent. Composition (Zn 0, C0 2 + HO) + 2 
(Zn 0, HO), a compound of the carbonate and hydrated oxide of 
zinc. 

Therapeutics. Not much employed as a medicinal agent ; it 
may be used in the same cases as the oxide, both internally and 
externally ; its action is probably identical with that of the oxide 
of zinc. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 10 gr., in pill or powder. 

Ziuci Acetas. Acetate of Zinc. 

Prep. By dissolving carbonate of zinc in acetic acid, evapo- 
rating and crystallizing. 

Prop. & Gomp. Acetate of zinc occurs in thin colourless 
plates, of a pearly lustre, and a sharp unpleasant taste. Soluble in 
water, giving a white precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen ; 
evolving acetic acid when decomposed by sulphuric acid. The 
solution in water, when slightly acidulated with hydrochloric 
acid, is not precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen. Boiled for a 
few minutes with a little nitric acid, it yields with ammonia a white 
precipitate, entirely soluble, without colour, in excess of the alkali. 
Composition (Zn 0, C 4 H 3 3 +2HO). 

Therapeutics. Chiefly employed as an external agent, in lieu of 
the sulphate of zinc, to which it is preferred by some. Internally 
it may also be given as a substitute for the sulphate. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 5 gr. As a lotion or injection, 1 gr. to 30 gr., 
to 1 fl. oz. of water. 
Valerianate of Zinc is described under the head of Valerian. 

11 



146 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

ALCOHOLIC AND ETHEREAL PREPARATIONS, 
AND CHLOROFORM. 

Alcohol. Appendix B. Anhydrous, or Absolute Alcohol. 

Prep. Ordered to be made by mixing one pint of rectified 
spirits of wine, with eighteen ounces of freshly-burnt lime, and 
distilling with a chloride-of-zinc bath ; the first ounce and a half 
should be rejected, and not more than sixteen fluid ounces drawn 
off by distillation. 

Prop. & Comp. A limpid, colourless liquid, of a pungent, 
spirituous odour ; very volatile ; sp. gr. 0*795, rapidly absorbing 
water ; it is a very powerful solvent of certain substances, as 
alkaloids, pure alkalies, volatile oils, iodine, &c. ; it does not dis- 
solve common salt, which is soluble in ordinary rectified spirit. 
Composition (C 4 H 5 O + HO), or hydrate of oxide of ethyl. It is 
not rendered turbid when mixed with water, and does not give 
rise to a blue colour when in contact with anhydrous sulphate of 
copper ; it is entirely volatilized by heat ; these tests indicating 
freedom from oily matters, or other impurities. 

Use. It is never administered as a medicine, but is employed 
as a solvent, and to test the purity of some chemical substances. 

Spiritus Rectificatus. Rectified Spirit. 

Prep. Alcohol is a product of the vinous fermentation of sugar, 
occurring in wine, malt liquors, &c. : these when distilled, afford 
spirits, such as brandy and rum ; and re-distilled, give rectified 
spirit. It is usually procured from malt. 

Prop. & Comp. Rectified spirit is alcohol (C 4 H 5 0, HO) 
with 16 per cent, of water, and resembles alcohol in most of its 
properties ; sp. gr. 0*838. It burns with a blue flame without 
smoke ; odour and taste, alcoholic ; it should not be made cloudy 
by the addition of water, not tinged red with sulphuric acid. It 
contains about 84 per cent, of absolute alcohol. Four fluid ounces, 
with 3 measures of the volumetric solution of nitrate of silver, 
exposed for 24 hours to a bright light, and then decanted from 
the black powder which has formed, undergo no further change 
when again exposed to light with more of the test ; indicating 
the presence of but a small amount of matter capable of decom- 



spikitus vnsn gallici. 147 

posing nitrate of silver. Alcohol when pure undergoes no change 
under the influence of this salt and a bright light. The three 
measures of the silver solution contain nearly half a grain of 
nitrate of silver. 

Off. Prep. Spiritus Tenuior. Proof Spirit, or weak Alcohol. 

Prep. (By adding to every five pints of rectified spirit, three 
pints of distilled water, at a temperature of 60° Fah.) It contains 
49 per cent, of alcohol. Sp. gr. 0*920. 

Use. Rectified Spirit is employed in pharmacy in making 
many tinctures and spirits, when the substances contain a large 
amount of resin or volatile oil. Proof spirit is used when the 
drugs are not very rich in such principles. 

Therapeutics. Externally it is employed in the form of a 
lotion. [The U. S. P. contains Alcohol. Spirit of the sp. gr. 
of 0*835. Alcohol Dilutum. Diluted Alcohol. Alcohol mixed 
with an equal measure of Distilled Water. Sp. gr. 0*941. Alco- 
hol Fortius — Stronger Alcohol. Spirit sp. gr. 0*817.] 
Spiritus Vini Gallici. Brandy, or Spirit distilled from French 
Wine. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in ^- s - p ] [Spiritus Fru- 
menti. Whiskey. U. S.] 

Prop. & Comp. Brandy contains about 53 per cent, of 
alcohol, together with some volatile oil and cenanthic ether ; it is 
almost white when first distilled, but in the cask acquires some 
colour, and it has often burnt sugar added to it to produce the 
same effect. 

Prep. Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici, Ph. Lond* 1851. 
Brandy Mixture. (Spirit of French wine, cinnamon water, each, 
four fluid ounces ; the yolks of two eggs • sugar, half an ounce ; 
oil of cinnamon, two minims. Mix.) 

Therapeutics. Brandy may be employed, either in the form 
of the above mixture or simply diluted with water, when it is 
desirable to administer a powerful diffusible stimulant, or to keep 
up the action of the circulation in very low conditions of the sys- 
tem, as in prolonged syncope, typhoid or adynamic forms of fever, 
delirium tremens, and gangrena senilis ; in small quantities it 
often assists digestion when taken with a meal, and is used with 
advantage in atonic dyspepsia. Externally it may be used, diluted 
with water, as a topical stimulant to threatened bed sores, cracked 
nipples, &c. 



148 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Spiritus Pyroxylicus rectificatus. Pyroxylic Spirit. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 

Prep. Obtained as one of the products of the dry distillation 
of wood, hence called Wood Spirit. 

Prop. & Comp. It is defined in the Pharmacopoeia to be a 
hydrated oxide of methyl (C 2 H 3 0, HO), with about 10 per cent, 
of water ; sp. gr. 0*841 to 0*846 ; colourless, with a spirituous 
and peculiar odour and taste. It should not exhibit an acid re- 
action, nor become opaque when mixed with water. Wood spirit 
is never found in commerce free from impurities. 

Therapeutics. Supposed to act as a sedative, and has been em- 
ployed to allay sickness, and check cough and expectoration in 
bronchitis and phthisis. 

Dose. 10 min. upwards. 

Caution. Pyroxylic should never be employed in lieu of spirits 
of wine in making galenical preparations. 

Vinum Xericum. Sherry. A Spanish Wine. 

Prop. & Comp. The physical properties of sherry are well 
known ; it contains from 15 to 20 per cent, of alcohol, together 
with colouring matter, cenanthic ether, and other ethereal com- 
pounds, which impart to it the peculiar bouquet ; also certain 
salts, as bitartrate of potash, malates, and sugar. 

Off. Prep. It is used in making the vina, or wines, of the Phar- 
macopoeia, as Vinum Aloes, Yinum Antimoniale, Vinum Colchici, 
Vinum Ferri, and Vinum Opii. Cape and other white wines are 
often substituted for sherry. 

Therapeutics. Wine may be given as a medicine in the same 
cases as brandy, where it is desirable to keep up the action of 
the circulating system ; as a stimulant in dyspepsia, however, it 
is often inferior to brandy, from its tendency to become acid. 
The wines of the Pharmacopoeia are sometimes objectionable 
when large doses are required, on account of the alcohol they 
contain : and the same remark applies to the administration of 
tinctures. 

Cerevisiae Fermentum. Yeast of Beer. [Fermentum. Yeast. 
U.S.] 

Prep. During the fermentation of an infusion of malt, by the 



ETHER. 149 

action of yeast, a fresh formation of the ferment (yeast) is pro- 
duced from the albuminous principles contained in the malt. 

. Prop, dk Comp. Yeast is a yellowish or greyish white, viscid, 
frothy liquid, having a characteristic odour and a peculiar bitter 
taste ; under the microscope it is found to consist, for the most 
part, of separate oval confervoid cells or vesicles. The plant is 
called the Torula cerevisice. In composition yeast resembles 
gluten or albumen, but it is in an active condition, and possesses 
the property of exciting the vinous fermentation in saccharine 
solutions. 

Off. Prep. Cataplasma Fermenti. Yeast Poultice. (Beer 
yeast, six fluid ounces ; flour, fourteen ounces ; water heated to 
100°, six fluid ounces. Mix the yeast with the water ; add the 
flour, and stir until a cataplasm is made. Place it near the fire 
until it rises.) 

Therapeutics. Yeast, when externally applied, acts as a stimu- 
lant and antiseptic, and in the form of cataplasm or poultice is 
employed to correct the discharges of indolent ulcers. Internally 
it has been used in low states of the system, to prevent the forma- 
tion of boils and carbuncles, and as a remedy in diabetes : in the 
latter disease there has been no proof given of its efficacy. 

Dose. From a dessert to a tablespoonful. Fresh yeast should 
be employed. 

Ether. Ether. 

Synonym. iEther Sulphuricus. Edin. Dub. 

Prep. Ether is prepared by the action of sulphuric acid upon 
alcohol, the proportion of acid employed being much less than that 
used in the formation of oleum aathereum, which was formerly 
officinal. In the British Pharmacopoeia ten fluid ounces of sul- 
phuric acid are made to act upon fifty fluid ounces- of rectified 
spirit added in successive portions. 

The exact nature of the changes which occur during etherifica- 
tion is a subject which will be found discussed at some length in 
books of chemistry ; the following remarks will perhaps suffice to 
give some idea of the process. 

When alcohol and strong sulphuric acid are heated together, 
a peculiar acid is formed, named sulphovinic acid, represented by 



150 MATERIA MEDICA. 

the formula C 4 H 5 0. 2 S0 3 HO ; if this acid is distilled at a 
temperature of about 300°, a decomposition occurs which may be 
thus represented :— C 4 W 5 0, 2 S0 3 HO + HO=C 4 H 5 + 2 (S0 3 
HO) ; one of the products, oxide of ethyl or ether (C 4 H 5 0), 
being volatile, distils over, and sulphuric acid remains ; by the 
addition of more alcohol, sulphovinic acid is again formed, and 
again decomposed ; and by a continuous and slow supply of alco- 
hol, the formation of the ether is rendered continuous. 

Ether is purified by allowing it to stand upon chloride of 
calcium and slaked lime, and re-distilling until it becomes of sp. 
gr. 0-735. 

Prop, dk Comp. Ether is a very volatile, colourless liquid, with 
a peculiar, agreeable, fragrant odour and hot taste ; sp. gr. 0*735 
[0*750. U. S. iEther Fortius, a sp. gr. not exceeding 0*728. 
U. S.] ; is entirely dissipated in vapour when exposed to the air, 
and has scarcely, if any, acid reaction ; very inflammable, burning 
with a white flame ; it boils below 105°. A little poured upon 
the hand evaporates rapidly, producing a sensation of cold. It 
consists of oxide of ethyl (C 4 H 5 O), with about 8 per cent, by 
volume of alcohol and water. Fifty measures agitated with an 
equal volume of water are reduced to 41 by an absorption of 18 
per cent. It evaporates without residue. 

Off. Prep. Spiritus ^Etheris. Spirits of Ether. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Ether, ten fluid ounces ; rectified spirit, twenty 
fluid ounces. Mix.) * Sp. gr. 0*809. 

[Spiritus Etheris Compositus. Compound Spirits of Ether. 
Hoffman's Anodyne. Ether, half a pint ; alcohol, a pint ; ethereal 
oil, six fluid drachms.] 

Use. Ether is also made use of in the Pharmacopoeia for pre- 
paring one tincture, Tinctura Lobelias iEthereae, and for making 
Collodion. 

Therapeutics. Taken internally, ether is a powerful diffusible 
stimulant, more rapid and evanescent in its action than alcohol ; 
it is used to expel flatus from the stomach, and allay pain and 
cramp in that organ, to diminish spasm in various other affections, 
as in spasmodic asthma, angina pectoris, and hysteria. When 
applied externally it produces cold, from the rapid evaporation, 
and is occasionally made use of as a refrigerant, in the reduction 



SPIRITUS JETHEEUS NITEOSI. 151 

of hernia ; if the vapour is confined, then rubefacient effects are 
produced. Inhaled in the form of vapour it acts in a manner not 
unlike chloroform, under which article the effects are described. 

Dose. Of ether, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. ; of spirit of ether, \ fl. 
drm. to \\ fl. drm. 

Ether. (Pure.) Appendix A. 

Prep. Ether is purified by well washing it with water, digest- 
ing it for twenty-four hours with recently burned lime and chlo- 
ride of calcium, and then distilling it from this mixture with a 
gentle heat. 

Prop. & Cornp. Pure ether should have a specific gravity not 
exceeding 0*720. It does not coagulate the albumen of blood, 
and is a powerful solvent of a limited number of substances, such 
as fixed and volatile oils, resins, a few alkaloids, gun cotton, iodine, 
bromine, bichloride of mercury, &c. 

Use. Pure ether is used in the preparation of some alkaloids, 
as aconitia, in the estimation of quinia in cinchona bark, and to 
test the purity of some medicinal substances. 

Adulterations. Ether may contain alcohol, which increases its 
specific gravity, and causes it to coagulate the serum of the blood ; 
water and sulphurous acid may also be present, adding to its 
weight, and giving it an acid reaction. 

Spiritus iEtheris Nitrosi. Spirits of Nitrous Ether. 

Synonym. Spiritus Etheris Nitrici. Lond. Edin. 

Prep. Rectified spirit, two pints ; nitrate of soda, five ounces ; 
sulphuric acid, four fluid ounces. Add the acid by degrees to the 
spirit, then pour the mixture upon the nitrate of soda, and distil 
thirty-five fluid ounces, keeping the receiver very cool ; the nitrous 
acid, liberated by the action of the sulphuric acid, unites with the 
ether produced from the alcohol, and forms a nitrate of ethyl 
which distils over, accompanied with alcohol and ether • other 
compounds are also formed in small quantities during the process, 
which become mixed with the product. The difficulty of procur- 
ing a pure nitrite of soda constitutes the chief objection to the 
adoption of this process ; if a pure salt is used, the product con- 
tains much nitrite of ethyl. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, with an agreeable fruity 



152 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

odour, and slightly acidulous cooling taste ; volatile and inflam- 
mable ; sp. gr. 0*843 ; [0.837. U. S.] it has usually a slight acid 
reaction, but should effervesce feebly or not at all when carbonate 
of soda is added ; when agitated with the solution of sulphate of 
iron, and a few drops of sulphuric acid, it becomes deep olive 
brown or black (from the liberation of the peroxide of nitrogen). 
It consists of alcohol, holding in solution nitrite of ethyl (C 4 H 5 0, 
N0 3 ). It often contains aldehyde, acetic acid, deutoxide of 
nitrogen, &c, if prepared by the process of the old London Phar- 
macopoeia. By keeping, the acids increase in quantity, giving to 
the preparation a strong acid reaction. If it is agitated with 
twice its volume of a saturated solution of chloride of calcium, 1^ 
per cent, by volume of nitrous ether separates and rises to the 
surface. 

Therapeutics. Nitrous ether is a stimulant, diaphoretic, and 
diuretic, chiefly used for the latter property in dropsies ; occasion- 
ally as a diaphoretic in slight febrile affections : it also appears to 
act as a grateful refrigerant. It is popularly known by the name 
of Sweet Spirits of Nitre. 

Dose. -J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drms. 

Adulteration. Excess of acid, from being too long kept or im- 
properly prepared ; it then effervesces with carbonate of soda. 

Chloroformum. Chloroform. [The U. S. P. recognizes Chloro- 
formum venale. Commercial chloroform. Sp. gr. 1*450 to 1*490 
and Chloroformum Purification. Purified Chloroform. Sp. 
gr. 1*490 to 1-494.] 

Prep. Chlorinated lime, ten pounds ; rectified spirit, thirty 
fluid ounces ; water, three gallons ; chloride of calcium, broken 
into fragments, two ounces ; slaked lime, a sufficiency ; sul- 
phuric acid, a sufficiency ; distilled water, nine fluid ounces. 
The rectified spirit and water are distilled with a mixture of 
slaked and chlorinated lime ; the distillate well agitated with water, 
and the lower stratum, which is crude chloroform, separated, re- 
peatedly washed with successive portions of water, and well 
shaken with its own volume of sulphuric acid ; the layer of chlo- 
roform is again separated, mixed with chloride of calcium and 
slaked lime, and purified by redistillation. Chloroform may be 
produced by several processes, but the above probably yields it 



CHLOKOFOKMUM. 153 

purer and more advantageously than any other. When chlorine, 
from chlorinated lime, acts upon alcohol, many complicated and 
ill-understood decompositions ensue ; the principal product, how- 
ever, seems to be chloroform. 

Prop. & Oomp. Chloroform is a colourless heavy liquid, with a 
peculiarly agreeable, fruity, ethereal odour ; sp. gr. from 1-48 to 
1*496 ; but slightly soluble in water, sinking readily in that fluid ; 
it mixes with alcohol and ether in all proportions ; neutral in 
reaction ; when rubbed on the skin it quickly evaporates, and, if 
pure, leaves no odour. Chloroform is a powerful solvent of 
caoutchouc, gutta percha, many resins, fats, and alkaloids, also of 
iodine and bromine. Composition (C 2 H, Cl 3 ), or a terchloride of 
formyl (C 2 H). When exposed to air and light, it is apt to 
decompose, hydrochloric acid and free chlorine being formed : 
it is stated that when chloroform is purified with oil of vitriol, it 
is more liable to undergo this change, and that redistillation with 
carbonate of baryta gives it stability. Chloroform is not coloured 
by agitation with sulphuric acid, and evolves no gas when potas- 
sium is dropped into it, indicating the absence of oily matters or 
any oxygen compounds. Chloroform is decomposed by fixed 
alkalies ; by an alcoholic solution of potash it is resolved into 
formate of potash and chloride of potassium. 

Off. Prep. Linimentum Chloroformi. Liniment of Chloro- 
form. (Chloroform, two fluid ounces; liniment of camphor, two 
fluid ounces.) [Purified chloroform, three troy ounces ; olive oil, 
four troy ounces. U. S.] 

Spiritus Chloroformi. Spirit of Chloroform. (Chloroform, 
one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nineteen fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 
0'871. [Purified chloroform, one troy ounce ; stronger alcohol, 
six fluid ounces. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. When taken internally, chloroform appears to 
act as a narcotic and antispasmodic, not unlike ether ; its sedative 
effects, however, are more distinctly marked, and it produces in 
large doses a general diminution of sensorial power, with drowsi- 
ness, and without exhilaration or acceleration of the pulse. It 
has been employed in spasmodic affections, as spasmodic coughs, 
asthma, cholera, lead colic, and hysteria ; it is also stated to act 
as a valuable sedative in cancer, neuralgia, and other painful affec- 



154 MATERIA MEDICA. 

tions, and it is even asserted to be antiperiodic, relieving some- 
times when bark and quinine have failed. 

Externally, it has been used in medicine to allay pain and irri- 
tation in neuralgia, and certain skin affections attended with 
troublesome itching. For all these purposes, however, its applica- 
tion is very limited ; its chief employment being in the form of 
vapour, for the production of its ansesthetic effects. 

When inhaled in small doses, it produces a slight species of ine- 
briation, with some impairment of vision and common sensibility, 
consciousness remaining. The sensations produced by these small 
doses are usually of a pleasurable character ; carried to this ex- 
tent, it may be employed in the treatment of spasmodic and neu- 
ralgic affections. 

If the inhalation be continued longer, the patient passes into a 
dreamy state, sometimes with considerable mental excitement, but 
with loss of common sensibility ; it may be given to this extent 
when employed in natural labour : from these effects the patient 
soon recovers on the cessation of the administration of the vapour. 

If the inhalation be carried still further, the patient loses the 
power of voluntary motion ; there is an inclination of the eyes 
upwards, complete suspension of the mental faculties, with slight 
contraction of the muscles and rigidity of the limbs. Although 
at this stage common sensibility appears quite destroyed, yet on 
the performance of surgical operations there may be indications 
expressive of pain in the features, and even moaning and inarticu- 
late cries. When this condition has been kept up for some time, 
and the winking of the eyelids very much diminished, then is the 
proper period for the performance of surgical operations. 

If the effects be carried further, complete relaxation of the vol- 
untary muscles takes place, but the sphincters remain contracted, 
the respiration goes on, though accompanied with slight stertorous 
breathing, the glottis continues sensible, but the sensibility of the 
pharynx appears to be diminished, so that in operations about the 
mouth blood frequently finds its way into the stomach ; the iris is 
much less sensitive to light, but not contracted. When the relax- 
ation of the muscles has fully taken place, then the reduction of 
dislocations and hernia may be effected. 

If the inhalation is continued beyond this stage, symptoms indi- 
cative of danger succeed : the breathing becomes very stertorous 



CHLOEOFOEMUM. 155 

and slow, and may altogether cease, and death may take place, 
sometimes accompanied with convulsions. 

Chloroform has been administered in the form of vapour in the 
treatment of tetanus, hydrophobia, colic, and painful spasmodic 
affections, as during the passage of renal calculi, or of gall-stones, 
&c. ; in some of these cases its use has been followed by great 
relief. The first and second set of symptoms above mentioned 
may be generally produced by administering from half a fluid 
drachm, to a fluid drachm, and repeating it in a few minutes if this 
condition is required to be kept up. When the inhalation is sus- 
pended, the patient, in the course of five or six minutes, recovers 
his consciousness, but without remembering anything Which has 
taken place. For the production of complete insensibility and 
relaxation more chloroform must be employed, and the effects 
carefully watched. If the inhalation has proceeded too far, am- 
monia, dashing cold water in the face, or even artificial respira- 
tion, must be had recourse to. 

In the administration of chloroform, several precautions should 
be taken. In the first place, the chloroform should be pure, that 
is, free from oily matter, hydrochloric acid, and uncombined chlo- 
rine ; it should not be used at all, or if so, employed with the 
greatest care, for persons suffering from any cerebral disease, or 
tendency to such, or any organic cardiac affection. It may be 
administered in vapour either by means of a folded handkerchief 
applied over the face and nose, or by means of inhalers which are 
sold for this purpose ; and care should be taken that the patient 
breathes atmospheric air at the same time with the chloroform 
vapour. Disagreeable symptouis sometimes occur after the inha- 
lation of chloroform, as nausea, vomiting, headache : probably these 
may occasionally arise from impurities in the preparation. 

Ether, and the vapour of some other hydrocarbons, as Amyline, 
Benzol, Dutch Liquid, Bisulphuret of Carbon, &c, when inhaled, 
produce effects not unlike those of chloroform, and before the dis- 
covery of this latter agent, pure ether was always made use of ; 
the effects of ether appear to be almost identical in kind with those 
of chloroform, but the quantity required to produce the same 
effect is much greater, from one fluid ounce to two fluid ounces. 

It is stated by Dr. Snow that greater muscular relaxation is 
produced by ether than by chloroform. 



156 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

When chloroform is taken into the stomach, or exhibited in the 
form of vapour, it is absorbed into the blood, and Dr. Snow has 
discovered its presence in the blood of animals killed by this agent. 
Its detection can be effected by causing the vapour from the sus- 
pected fluid to pass through a red-hot tube, when the chloroform, 
if present, is decomposed and free chlorine evolved, which may be 
made to act upon nitrate of silver, or upon starch-paper impreg- 
nated with iodide of potassium. 

Dose. Chloroform, when given in a liquid state, may be 
rubbed up with yolk of egg and mucilage, or syrup : the dose 
may be from 1 min. to 10 mi n. It is more frequently adminis- 
tered in the form of Spiritus Chloroformi (chloric ether), of which 
the dose may be from 10 min. to 30 min. or more. Externally it 
may be employed in the form of Linimentum Chloroformi, or 
added to other liniments, or as an ointment, made by rubbing to- 
gether 1 part of chloroform, with about 7 of lard. The doses for 
inhalation have been already indicated. 

Adulterations. Hydrochloric acid and free chlorine, detected 
by their acid reaction and bleaching power, and by the water 
with which the chloroform has been agitated, precipitating nitrate 
of silver. Sometimes an oily matter, formed during the prepara- 
tion, may be present, detected by its leaving an odour on evapora- 
tion, and being coloured by sulphuric acid. 

Fousel Oil. Appendix A. Amylic Alcohol. [Alcohol Amyli- 
cum. Fusel Oil. U.S.] 

Prop. & Oomp. Fousel oil, a product obtained in the distilla- 
tion of spirit from potatoes, barley, &c. It is much less volatile 
than ordinary alcohol, and accumulates in the last portions of the 
liquids submitted to distillation. It boils at 270°, and has a 
specific gravity of 0*818, and a peculiar unpleasant odour and 
taste. Fousel oil is the alcohol of the amylic series, the hydrate of 
the oxide of amyl (C 10 H n O, HO), and has the same relation to 
amyl as alcohol and wood spirit have to ethyl and methyl. By 
the action of oxidizing agents it is converted into Valerianic Acid, 
which corresponds to acetic acid in the ethyl series : — 
C 10 H 12 2 + 4 = HO, C 10 H 9 3 + 2 HO. 

It is for the formation of this acid that it is introduced into the 
Appendix of the Pharmacopoeia. 



CKEOSOTTJM. 157 

HYDROCARBONS FROM THE DESTRUCTION OF 
WOOD BY FIRE, OR FOUND NATIVE. 

Creosotum. Creosote, or Kreosote. [Creasotum. Creasote. 
U. S.] A product of the distillation of Wood Tar. 

Prep. During the destructive distillation of wood in the pre- 
paration of pyroligneous acid, amongst other hydrocarbons creo- 
sote is formed • it is also obtained from oil of tar, or pyroxylic 
oil, and is contained in the smoke from wood. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, of peculiar 
strong odour and burning taste ; sp. gr. 1*065 ; [1*046. U. S.] 
very slightly soluble in water, but soluble in acetic acid, alcohol, 
and ether • coagulates albuminous fluids, and has considerable 
preservative powers over both animal and vegetable matter ; it 
should volatilize entirely at 212° Fah., and not leave a trans- 
parent stain on bibulous paper. A slip of deal dipped into it, 
and afterwards into hydrochloric acid, and allowed to dry in the 
air, acquires a greenish-blue colour. Much doubt exists as to the 
composition of creosote • much of that found in commerce is car- 
bolic acid. Probably it is a homologue of phenic (carbolic) acid, 
represented by the formula, C 16 H 10 2 . 

Off. Prep. Mistura Creosoti. Creosote Mixture. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Creosote, sixteen minims ; glacial acetic 
acid, sixteen minims ; spirit of juniper, half a fluid drachm ; 
syrup, one fluid ounce ; distilled water, fifteen fluid ounces.) 

Unguentum Creosoti. Ointment of Creosote. (Creosote, 
one fluid drachm ; lard, one ounce. Rub them together.) [Creo- 
sote, half a fluid drachm ; lard, a troy ounce, U. S.] 

[Aqua Creasoti. Creasote Water. Creasote, a fluid drachm ; 
distilled water, a pint. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Internally, in small doses, it acts as a stimulant 
to the stomach, and has often been used with success to arrest 
certain forms of vomiting, not connected with febrile disturbance 
of the system • it has been also given with temporary advantage 
in diabetes. Externally it allays toothache depending on caries, 
and forms a stimulant application to ulcers and chronic skin dis- 
orders, as porrigo * it is used also as a topical styptic in hasmor- 



158 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

rhages : the vapour mixed with that from hot water is useful in 
checking excessive expectoration in chronic bronchitis, and cor- 
recting the fee tor of the sputa in dilatation of the bronchi, and in 
pulmonary abscess. 

Dose. 1 min. to 5 min., in pill, or rubbed up with mucilage, or 
with a few drops of acetic acid. As an inhalation, 3 min. to 10 
min., or more, to the -J- pint of boiling water. Of Mistura Creo- 
soti, J fl. oz. to 1\ fl. oz. 

Incompatibles. Creosote, when mixed with oxide of silver 
gives rise to much heat, and even flame, from the oxidizing power 
of the silver compound : hence these two medicinal agents should 
not be prescribed together. 
Carbolic Acid. (Not officinal.) 

Prep. A product of the distillation of coal. 

Description, Carbolic acid is generally met with in the form 
of an oily liquid, sp. gr. 1*065, with the odour and taste of creo- 
sote. It may also be obtained in crystals, which form long and 
colourless needles, melting at about 95° ; a minute trace of 
moisture causes the liquefaction of the crystals. 

Prop. & Comp. Carbolic acid is sparingly soluble in water, 
soluble in ether, alcohol, and strong acetic acid. It forms crys- 
talline salts with potash, but the solution of carbolic acid does 
not redden litmus paper. The composition is represented by 
the formula, HO, C 12 H 5 0, a hydrate of phenyl ; it is sometimes 
called phenic acid. 

Therapeutics. Carbolic acid possesses powerful antiseptic 
properties, and has been much used lately to correct the fcetor 
of gangrenous and offensive sores • it rendors the discharges less 
noxious, and removes their disagreeable and putrid smell : hence 
it is particularly useful in cases of necrosis and caries, and other 
ulcerations attended with offensive discharges. Internally it 
resembles creosote in its action, and may be given in similar cases. 

Dose. As an external application to ulcers, &c, 1 part of the 
acid to 7 or 8 of water. Internally 1 min., in the form of a 
pill. 
Petroleum. Barbadoes Tar. (Not officinal.) 

Description. A black, bituminous liquid, exuding spontane- 



OKGANIC SUBSTANCES. 159 

ously from the earth, and found upon the surface of some lakes, 
especially in the islands of Barbadoes and Trinidad ; it resembles 
treacle in appearance, has a dark-red colour when seen by trans- 
mitted light through thin layers, and a peculiar bituminous 
or tar-like odour and taste : it is lighter than water ; sp. gr. 
about 0-88. 

Prop. & Comp. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in fixed 
and volatile oils, also in ether ; inflammable, burning with a very 
smoky flame ; very complex in composition, containing many 
different hydrocarbons, among which are eupione and paraffine ; 
when exposed to the air, it hardens into a species of asphaltum. 

Therapeutics. Yery closely resembles tar and pitch in its 
action, being a stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant : by some 
thought to be anthelmintic : it has been employed chiefly in 
chronic squamous skin affections, rheumatism and bronchitis. It 
may be employed internally or externally. 

Dose, i fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm., or more. 



OKGANIC SUBSTANCES. 



VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 

Vegetables should be gathered in dry weather, and not when 
wet with rain or dew. They should be collected annually, and 
not be kept beyond a year. 

Most roots and rhizomes should be dug up after the old leaves 
and stalks have fallen, and before the new ones appear. 

Barks ought to be collected at the season in which they can be 
most easily separated from the wood ; herbs and leaves should be 
gathered after the flowers have blown and before the seeds ripen. 

Flowers should be gathered recently blown. 

Fruits and seeds should be collected when ripe. 

The different parts of vegetables should be kept dried for use, 
except when otherwise directed. Expose those which are to be 



160 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

dried, a short time after they have been gathered, in shallow 
wicker baskets to a gentle heat in a current of air, in the dark ; 
when the moisture is driven off, gradually increase the heat to 
150° Fah., that they may dry. Finally, preserve the more deli- 
cate parts, viz., flowers and leaves in black glass bottles, well 
closed, and the rest in vessels, preventing the access of light and 
moisture. 

CLASS I. EXOGEN^E. 
Sub- Class I. Thalamiflorjs. 

RANTOCULACEJE. 

Aconitum. Aconite. The fresh leaves and flowering tops of 
Aconitum napellus, Monkshood ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria trigynia. 
Gathered when about one-third of the flowers are expanded, 
from plants cultivated in Britain. [Aconiti Folium. Aconite 
Leaf. The leaves of Aconitum napellus. U. S.] 

Aconiti Radix. Aconite Root. The root, dried, of Aconitum 
napellus, imported from Germany or cultivated in Britain ; and 
collected in winter or early spring, before the leaves have ap- 
peared. 

Aconitia. Aconitia. Aconitina. An alkaloid obtained from 
Aconite Root. 

Description. The leaves are deep green on the upper surface, 
lighter beneath, smooth, five-partite, the segments wedge-shaped 
and pinnately cut. The root is fusiform, like a carrot, from one 
to three inches long, not thicker than the finger at the crown, with 
fleshy fibres, dark brown on the surface, whitish within. The 
flowers are purple, helmet-shaped, and in racemes. 

Prep. & Comp. All parts of the plant are bitter and acrid, 
causing tingling of the lips and skin, followed by numbness ; 
they contain the alkaloid, Aconitia (C 60 H 47 N0 14 ) united with 
Aconitic acid (C 4 H0 3 ) ; another base is also present, which has 
been named Aconella, resembling narcotine in its composition and 
properties, capable of crystallization, but not possessing the active 
properties of Aconitia. Aconitia is a white uncrystallizable solid, 
soluble in 150 parts of cold, and 50 parts of hot water, and much 
more soluble in alcohol and ether ; alkaline, neutralizing acids, 



ACXXNTTIA. 161 

and precipitated from them by the caustic alkalies, but not by car- 
bonate of ammonia, or the bicarbonates of potash or soda. It 
melts with heat, and burns with a smoky flame ; causes tingling, 
followed by numbness when rubbed on the skin. It is a very active 
poison ; entirely soluble in pure ether, and leaves no residue when 
burned with free access of air. 

Off. Prep. — Of Aconite (leaves). Extractum Aconiti. Ex- 
tract of Aconite. (Aconite leaves, fresh, are bruised, and the juice , 
treated as directed for the green extracts.) See Introduction. 
[Tinctura Aconiti Folii. Tincture of Aconite Leaf. Two pints of 
tincture are obtained, by percolation, from four troy ounces of 
powdered leaves. U. S.] 

Of the Root:— 

Tinctura Aconiti. Tincture of Aconite. (Aconite root, in 
fine powder, two ounces and a half ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Aconite 
Root, in fine powder, twelve troy ounces ; two pints of tincture 
are obtained by percolation. U. S.] 

This tincture has one fourth of the strength of Tinctura Aconiti, 
Dub., and one- third of the strength of Tinctura Aconiti, Lond. 

Linimentum Aconiti. Liniment of Aconite. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Aconite root, in powder, twenty ounces ; camphor, one 
ounce ; rectified spirit, thirty fluid ounces. The product should 
measure twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and perco- 
lation, and then adding the camphor.) 

Of Aconitia : — 

Unguentum Aconitle. Ointment of Aconitia. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Aconitia, eight grains ; rectified spirit, half a fluid 
drachm ; prepared lard, one ounce.) 

The Alkaloid Aconitia is prepared by thoroughly exhausting 
the root by maceration and percolation with rectified spirit ; dis- 
tilling off the spirit, and making a watery solution (with boiling 
water) of the alcoholic extract ; the solution is filtered, and am- 
monia added in slight excess to the filtered liquid, which is gently 
heated, the precipitate separated on a filter and dried. The pre- 
cipitate is powdered and treated with successive portions of ether ; 
the ether is distilled off, and the dry ethereal extract dissolved 
in warm water, acidulated with sulphuric acid, and again precipi- 
12 



162 MATEEIA MEDIO A. 

tated with ammonia. Lastly, the precipitate is washed on a filter 
with a little cold distilled water, and dried between folds of 
blotting paper. 

Therapeutics. Given internally in small doses, aconite pro- 
duces tingling of the lips and tongue, a peculiar sensation at the 
palate and pharynx, and warmth at the epigastrium ; in large 
doses tingling may occur in the extremities, followed by numb- 
ness, and a feeling of faintness, with weak and often intermitting 
action of the heart, and occasionally diuresis ; pain, if present, is 
diminished or removed ; if the dose is still larger, alarming symp- 
toms of vascular depression are produced. Externally aconite 
causes at first a tingling of the part, succeeded by numbness, and 
cessation of local pain. It appears to cause contraction of the 
pupil, both when topically applied and when taken internally. 
[In several cases of poisoning by aconite, seen by the editor, the 
pupils were moderately dilated, and nausea and vomiting were 
present.] 

Aconite has been used internally in the treatment of rheumatism, 
acute and chronic gout, neuralgia and carcinomatous affections, 
to relieve pain ; in hypertrophy and other diseases of the heart, 
to allay palpitation ; in dropsies, on account of its occasional diu- 
retic properties, &c. ; but it is at the present time rarely employed 
as an internal remedy, on account of its powerful and often alarm- 
ing effects. Externally applied in the form of the liniment, it is 
very valuable in different forms of neuralgia, and in chronic rheu- 
matic pains. Aconitia has the same properties as the Aconite 
leaf or root, and in fact imparts to the different parts of the plant 
their virtues ; it is not given internally, as the one-fiftieth part of 
a grain may cause very alarming symptoms, but it is much used as 
an external remedy in the form of the ointment. Sometimes much 
irritation of the skin is produced by its use. 

Dose. Of tincture of aconite, 3 min. to 10 min. and upwards 
[of the tincture of aconite root of the U. S. P., the dose is from 
3 to 5 drops ; beyond this the dose must be cautiously increased. 
Of the tincture of aconite leaf, an uncertain preparation, the dose 
is 20 or 30 drops] ; of extract of aconite, 1 gr. to 4 gr. An alco- 
holic extract is sometimes used, of which the dose should be from 
J gr. gradually increased. 



PODOPHYLLI KESmA. 163 

Adulteration. Aconitia is often very impure ; sometimes it is 
mixed with Delphinia, and sometimes it contains Aconella, the 
other principle contained in the root and precipitated with the 
Aconitia. Pure aconitia in ^V gr. dose will destroy a dog ; but 
1 gr. of the spurious alkaloid can often be given without much 
effect. 

Podophyllum. Podophyllum. The dried rhizome of Podophyl- 
lum peltatum, or the American May-apple ; Lin. Syst., Poly- 
andria monogynia ; called sometimes Mandrake in the United 
States, over which it is extensively diffused. 

Podophylli Resina. Resin of Podophyllum; Podophylline. 
A resin obtained from Podophyllum by means of rectified 
spirit. 

Description. Podophyllum occurs in thin rhizomes a few 
inches long and 2 lines in thickness, brown, jointed, with nume- 
rous radicles, wrinkled longitudinally, it breaks short, and is 
whitish internally ; powder, greyish-yellow, with a sweet odour 
and sweetish acrid taste. 

The resin or Podophylline is a pale greenish-brown amorphous 
powder, and is prepared by the following process : — Podophyllum 
root in coarse powder is exhausted by percolation with rectified 
spirit. The spirit is then distilled off, and the remaining liquid 
slowly poured into three times its volume of water acidulated with 
hydrochloric acid. The deposited resin is afterwards washed on 
a filter with distilled water, and dried. 

Prop. & Comp. Podophyllum contains resinous matters, to- 
gether with gum and other substances soluble in water ; the resin 
constitutes about 3} per cent, of the root, and is soluble in recti- 
fied spirit and ammonia ; it is precipitated from the former by 
water, from the latter by acids. It is almost entirely soluble in 
pure ether. Berberine is stated to exist in the root, and to be 
contained in much of the commercial podophylline. Berberine is 
contained in larger quantities in the Hydrastis canadensis, and in 
other plants belonging to the order Panunculacese, also in the 
Cocculus palmatus. It is represented by the formula (C 40 H 17 
NO.).. 

Therapeutics. Podophyllum and its resin act as drastic cath- 
artics very much like jalap ; they are used in congestions of the 



164 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

liver or portal system ; and combined with calomel, and bitartrate 
of potash, in dropsies. 

Dose. Of the powder, about 10 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the resin 
(podophylline), J gr. to 2 gr. 

Helleborus. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in TJ. S. P.] The 

rhizome and root of the Helleborus niger, Christmas Rose, or 
Black Hellebore ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria polygynia ; inhabiting 
Central Europe ; imported from Marseilles and Hamburg 

Description. Dark brown rhizomes with numerous rootlets 
when cut, exhibiting a whitish appearance. 

Prop, dt Comp. Taste very acrid and bitter, but sweetish at 
first ; it has been stated to contain a crystalline principle, 
Helleborin, but this statement has not been as yet confirmed ; be- 
sides which, gallic acid, an acrid oil, and resin, salts, &c, have 
been found. 

Tinctura Hellebori, Lond. 1851. Tincture of Hellebore. 
(Hellebore, bruised, five ounces ; proof spirit, two pints. Mace- 
rate for seven days, then press aud strain.) 

Therapeutics. In full medicinal doses, it is a powerful drastic 
purgative, stated also to be emmenagogue : little used in this 
country at present ; formerly employed in cerebral affections, and 
melancholia. 

Dose. Of the powder, 5 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the tincture, | fl. 
drm. to 1 fl. drm. 

Staphisagria. (Not officinal.) The seed of Delphinium Staphis- 
agria or Stavesacre ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria trigynia ; inhabit- 
ing chiefly the southern parts of Europe. 

Description. The seed is irregularly triangular, of a brownish 
black colour, deeply pitted on the surface. 

Prop. & Comp. No odour, acrid taste, contains an alkaloid, 
Delphinia (C 27 H 19 N0 2 ?), together with resin, fatty matter, wax, 
lignin, &c. 

Therapeutics. Stavesacre appears to act as an emetic and 
purgative, when given internally, and has been used as an anthel- 
mintic ; it seems also to possess narcotic properties. Externally 
it has the power of destroying pediculi, and may be used in powder 
or ointment. 



CORTEX WINTERI. 165 

Dose. 3 gr. to 10 gr., in powder and decoction ; very seldom 
used. 

Actasa raceme sa. (Not officinal.) The root of Actsea or Cimi- 
cifuga racemosa. Black Snake Root. [Cimicifuga. The 
root of C. Racemosa. IT. S.] 

This remedy, which has been much used in America, has lately 
been introduced into this country. Its use is said to have been 
attended with much success in rheumatic fever, in chorea, and in 
lumbago, and in some forms of puerperal hypochondriasis. 

The tincture, made by macerating four ounces of the root in a 
pint of spirit, is the most convenient form of administering it ; it 
may be given in doses of from thirty to sixty minims three times 
a day. [Extractum Cimicifuga? fluidum. U. S. Made by perco- 
lating finely-powdered cimicifuga first by stronger, and then by 
diluted, alcohol ; the two percolates are then separately evapor- 
ated, mixed and filtered. The proportions are such, that 16 
ounces of the root make 16 ounces of the fluid extract. The dose 
is from fifteen to twenty minims.] 

MAGNOLIACEJE. 

Cortex Winteri. (Not officinal.) Winter's Bark. The bark of 
Drymis Winteri, or Drymis Aromatica; Lin. Syst., Polyandria 
tetragynia ; a large tree found by Captain Winter, in 15 78, on 
the coasts of the Straits of Magellan. Grows also in Chili,' 
Peru, and New Granada. 

Description. It occurs in large quills, a foot or more in length, 
and from 1 to 2 inches in width. The bark itself varies from £ 
to \ of an inch in thickness ; externally it is reddish yellow, with 
dark red spots ; internally, cinnamon colour. It has a powerful 
aromatic odour, and hot taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Winter's bark contains a volatile oil, lighter 
than water, resin, and some tannin ; hence its solution strikes 
black with salts of iron ; in the analysis of this bark oxide of iron, 
sulphate of potash and other salts, are given as constituents. 

Therapeutics. A warm aromatic stomachic and tonic, useful 
in atonic dyspepsia. It was originally given in scurvy. 

Dose. 30 gr. to 60 gr., in powder, or made into an infusion. 

Adulteration. Canella alba is often substituted for Winter's 



166 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

bark ; it is distinguished by being much lighter in colour, especi- 
ally on the inner surface, and containing no tannin, and no soluble 
sulphate ; the infusion of canella, therefore, does not strike black 
with iron salts, and is not precipitated by chloride of barium. 
Therapeutically the substitution is of little or no consequence. 

Illicium anisatum. Star Anise. 

The fruit of this plant, belonging to the order Magnoliacese, 
yields an oil which resembles true anise oil very closely, and 
which is now made officinal under the name of Oleum Anisi, in 
conjunction with the oil from the umbelliferous fruit. 

I MENISPEEMACEJE. 

Calumba. Calnmbo. The root of the Cocculns palmatus, Ca- 
lumba J)lant ; Lin. Syst., Dioecia hexandria ; sometimes called 
Columbo root; the name was supposed to be derived from 
Columbo, the modern capital of the island of Ceylon, but it is 
imported from the Mozambique (Africa). 

Description. It occurs in small cylindrical pieces, which are 
cut into thin disks. These vary in diameter from I inch to 2 or 
3 inches, and in thickness from 2 to 4 lines ; the central portion 
is spongy, yellow, and in concentric layers ; the outer portion 
dark green or olive ; the slices usually become concavo-convex in 
the drying, and thinner in the centre. 

Prop. & Com/p. Calumbo root has little odour, but a very 
bitter taste. It contains a neutral non-nitrogenized crystallizable 
principle, called Columbine (C 42 H 22 14 ), but slightly soluble in 
water or proof spirit ; an acid called Calumbic (C 42 H 2l 14 ), and 
an alkaloid, Berberine (C 40 H 17 N0 8 ), the salts of which are soluble, 
and yellow ; and give the colour to the root. The calumbate of 
berberine is contained in the infusion and tincture. Berberine 
was first found in the Berberis vulgaris, and hence its name. It 
must not be confounded with Beberia, which is officinal, and 
which is obtained from Bebeeru Bark. There exists also much 
starch in the root. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Calumba. Extract of Calumbo. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Calumbo, in powder, one pound ; proof 
spirit, eighty ounces. Prepared by maceration, percolation, and 
evaporation to a proper consistence.) 



PAEEIRA. 167 

Infusum Calumbo. Infusion of Calumbo. (Calumbo, in 
coarse powder, half an ounce ; cold distilled water, ten fluid 
ounces.) [From half a troy ounce of powdered Calumbo, a pint 
of infusion is obtained by percolation. U. S.] An infusion made 
with cold water. 

Tinctura Calumbo. Tincture of Calumbo. (Calumbo, bruised, 
two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Pre- 
pared by maceration and percolation.) [From four troy ounces 
of powdered Calumbo, two pints of tincture are obtained by per- 
colation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Calumbo is a bitter stomachic and tonic, useful 
in debility of the digestive organs, and hence valuable in the non- 
inflammatory forms of gastrodynia, pyrosis, and vomiting ; also as 
a general tonic, especially in the early stages of convalescence 
from acute diseases ; it is often usefully combined, in stomachic 
affections, with an alkali or alkaline bicarbonate, or with the 
nitrate of bismuth or hydrocyanic acid. 

Dose. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr., or more ; of the extract, 
2 gr. to 6 gr. ; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tinc- 
ture, J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Incompatibles. The infusion of calumbo now contains no starch 
in solution, and hence does not strike blue with iodine. Calumbo 
may be given with salts of iron, as it contains neither tannin nor 
gallic acid. 

Adulteration. Tinged bryony root, also the root of the Frasera 
Waited, and of a Menisperm from Ceylon, have been substituted 
for true calumbo. 

Pareira. Pareira. The dried root of the Cissampelos Pareira, or 
Velvet Leaf; Lin. Sys., Diceeia dodecandria ; a plant growing 
in the West Indies and South America. 

Description. It occurs in more or less cylindrical-shaped pieces, 
entire or split longitudinally -J- an inch to 4 inches in diameter, 
and 4 inches to 4 feet in length ; externally brownish, wrinkled 
both longitudinally and transversely ; internally yellowish-grey, 
with concentric circles and radiating rays, and very open or can- 
cellated in structure. 

Prop. <& Comp. Odour very slight, taste, sweetish and then 



168 MATERIA MEDICA. 

bitter. It contains a crystalline nitrogenized principle, named 
Pelosine or Cissa?npeline (C 36 H 2 i N0 6 ), a strong base ; besides 
which there exists some resin, a bitter yellow matter, starch, 
salts, &c. 

Of. Prep. Decoctum Pareira. Decoction of Pareira. 
(Pareira, sliced, one ounce and a half ; distilled water, one pint 
and a half. Boil to a pint, and strain.) [The only officinal pre- 
paration of Pareira in the U. S. P. is the infusion made by mace- 
rating a pint of boiling water for two hours in a troy ounce of 
bruised Pareira.] 

Extractum Pareira Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Pareira. 
(Pareira, in coarse powder, one pound. Prepared by maceration 
and percolation of the powder with water, evaporation to thirteen 
fluid ounces, and subsequent addition of three fluid ounces of recti- 
fied spirit.) 

Each fluid part of the extract contains a solid part of the root. 

Therapeutics. Pareira is a bitter tonic, like calumbo, but 
scarcely ever used as such ; it is thought to act as a diuretic, and 
to have an action on the mucous membrane of the bladder. Its 
use is chiefly confined to chronic catarrhal affections of that viscus, 
to allay irritation and diminish the mucous discharge ; it may be 
combined with nitric acid or an alkali, according to the state of 
the urine ; it is used also in chronic pyelitis. 

Dose. Of powder, 30 gr. to 60 gr. ; of the decoction, 1J fl. oz. 
to 3 fl. oz. ; of the liquid extract, § fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Roots and stems of other plants are stated to 
have been occasionally substituted, which have yielded much less 
extractive matter. 

Cocculus. Cocculus Indicus. The fruit of Anamirta or Menisper- 
mum Cocculus, the Cocculns Indicus plant ; Lin. Sys.; Dioecia 
dodecandria ; a climbing shrub, growing in the East India 
Islands and Malabar coast, &c. [Not officinal in IT. S. P.] 

Description. A berry, between a pea and a bayberry in size, 
consisting of a dark brown exterior, enclosing a wrinkled, bivalved 
shell, and a reniform yellowish and oily seed, which should fill at 
least two-thirds of the shell. 

Prop. <& Comp. Cocculus fruit contains a non-nitrogenized 



PAPAVER. 169 

crystalline neutral principle, Picrotoxine (C 10 H 6 4 ), which resides 
in the kernel and forms colourless stellate needles ; also an alka- 
loid, Menispermine (C 18 H 12 NO), united with an acid, Cocculinic 
acid, contained chiefly in the shell. 

Off. Prep. Unguenttjm Cocculi. Ointment of Cocculus. 
(The seeds of Cocculus Indicus, eighty grains ; prepared lard, an 
ounce.) 

Therapeutics. Cocculus Indicus, as well as picrotoxine, act 
upon the nervous system as intoxicating agents, apparently upon 
the cerebellum ; they are not, however, used internally in medi- 
cine. Externally, in the form of the ointment, Cocculus Indicus 
is employed to destroy pediculi, and it is likewise occasionally 
used in chronic skin diseases. 

PAPAVERCEiE. 

* 

Papaver. Poppy Capsules. The nearly ripe Capsules of Papaver 
somniferum, the Garden, or Opium Poppy ; Lin. Syst., Polyan- 
dria monogynia; a native of Syria and Egypt, cultivated in 
Britain. 

Description. The ripe fruit, poppy-heads, or capsules, are glob- 
ular, from 2 to 4 inches in diameter ; of a pale brownish-yellow 
colour, smooth, with a radiating stigma on the top ; within are 
parietal placentas, and very numerous small pale brownish, reni- 
form seeds ; the texture of the heads is light and papery, with lit- 
tle or no odour, and some bitterish opiate taste. 

Prop. (& Comp. Besides woody fibre, &c, the capsules contain 
a small amount of the principles found in opium ; and the seeds, 
called maw seeds, have much bland oil (poppy-oil), but possess no 
narcotic properties. When gathered unripe, more opium is pres- 
enkin the capsules. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Papaveris. Decoction of Poppy-heads. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Poppy-heads bruised and free from 
seeds, four ounces ; distilled water, three pints. Boil for fifteen 
minutes and strain. The product should measure thirty-two fluid 
ounces. 

Syrupus Papaveris. Syrup of Poppy. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Poppies bruised, the seeds being removed, thirty-six 



170 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

ounces ; refined sugar, four pounds ; boiling distilled water, twenty 
pints ; rectified spirit, sixteen fluid ounces. Macerate the poppy 
capsules in the water for twelve hours ; evaporate and strain ; 
reduce the strained liquor to three pints, and when quite cold add 
the spirit, mix and filter ; distil off the spirit, evaporate the re- 
maining liquor to two pints, and then add the sugar.) The pro- 
duct should weigh six pounds and a half, and should have the sp. 
gr. 1-320. 

Therapeutics. Syrup of poppies acts in the same manner as 
opium, but is much weaker, and less certain in its action than most 
of the officinal preparations of that drug. The decoction is not 
given internally, but is employed as an external application to 
allay pain and soothe. 

Dose. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to -J- fl. oz. ; for children, J fl. 
drm., cautiously increased, these patients being very susceptible of 
the influence of opium. 

Opium. Opium ; Turkey Opium. The juice from the incised un- 
ripe fruit of Papaver somniferum, hardened in the air. 

Morphige Hydrochloras. Hydrochlorate of Morphia. The 
Hydrochlorate of an alkaloid, prepared from opium. 

Synonym. Morphias Murias. [U. S.] Edin. Dub. 

Description. Opium is prepared by making horizontal incisions 
with a sharp instrument, into poppy capsules, a few days after the 
petals have fallen, taking care not to penetrate the interior ; a 
milky juice exudes, which soon becomes brown, and forms tears ; 
these, when scraped off, and wrought together into masses or cakes, 
form opium : it is usually enveloped with some leaf. 

Of Turkey opium there are two varieties, viz., Smyrna and Con- 
stantinople. Smyrna opium occurs in masses more or less flattened, 
from J to 2 pounds in weight, covered externally with the capsules 
of a species of rumex ; internally, when fresh, it is soft, of a rich 
brown colour, heavy narcotic odour and bitter taste ; it is made 
up of agglutinated tears. Constantinople opium is met with in 
small lenticular masses, from \ to \ a pound in weight, often in- 
closed in a poppy leaf, and marked with the midrib ; it was at one 
time inferior to the Smyrna variety. 

Besides Turkey opium, there are several other kinds, which are 



MOKPBLLE HYDEOCHLOEAS. 171 

however not officinal, and should not be employed in making the 
Pharmaceutic preparations of the drugs ; among these are — 

Egyptian opium, in flat cakes, more or less circular, and about 
two or three inches in diameter, covered with some leaf (perhaps 
the poppy) ; internally hard, of a dark reddish-brown colour, and 
a musty narcotic odour : it is met with in English commerce, but 
is very inferior to Turkey opium. 

East Indian opium is found in round balls, like twenty-four 
pound shot, about 4 pounds in weight ; covered with a thick case 
of poppy leaves, agglutinated ; internally rather soft and black ; 
called Chinese investment opium. East Indian opium also occurs 
in cakes, called Malwa, and Garden Patna opium. Nearly all 
the Indian opiums are inferior to Turkey opium, and are not found 
in English commerce. 

Other varieties of opium, such as Persian, or Trebizond, in 
sticks, or occasionally in masses, and European opiums, as Eng- 
lish, French, and German, are now and then met with. 

Hydrochlorate of Morphia should be in a crystalline form. 

Prop. & Comp. Opium is rich in crystalline principles ; it con- 
tains a peculiar acid, and several alkaloids and neutral bodies, the 
most important of which are as follows : — 

Meconic Acid (3 HO, C 14 HOn'-f- 6 HO), in crystalline, pearly 
scales ; it is soluble in water ; and forms insoluble salts, with 
lime, baryta, and oxide of lead ; meconic acid strikes blood red 
with persalts of iron ; it is easily decomposed. 

Morphia (C 34 H 19 N0 6 ), an alkaloid in the form of six-sided 
prisms ; soluble in alcohol, and caustic fixed alkaline solutions ; 
very slightly so indeed in ether or water ; its solutions are red- 
dened by nitric acid : it has the power of liberating iodine, and 
hence bluing starch, when added to iodic acid ; morphia, and its 
salts, strike blue with persalts of iron ; and when the solutions 
are treated with free chlorine, and excess of ammonia afterwards 
added, a brown colour is produced, disappearing with excess of 
chlorine. 

Acetate of Morphia (not officinal), [Officinal in U. S. P.] occurs 
in very fine needles ; generally in powder ; apt to lose a part of its 
acid ; soluble in water and alcohol. Composition (C 34 H 19 N0 6 , 
C 4 H 3 3 + HO). 



172 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Hydrochlorate of morphia when pure is found in plumous acicu- 
lar crystals ; requires about twenty parts of water to dissolve it ; 
soluble in spirit ; when pure, both this salt and the acetate are 
entirely dissipated at a red heat. Composition (C 34 H 19 N0 6 , H 
CI + 6 HO). The aqueous solution gives a white curdy precipi- 
tate with nitrate of silver, and a white one with potash, redis- 
solved by excess. Moistened with strong nitric acid, it becomes 
orange red, with perchloride of iron greenish blue. Twenty 
grains of the salt dissolved in half an ounce of warm water, with 
ammonia added in the slightest possible excess, give on cooling a 
crystalline precipitate, which when washed with a little cold water, 
and dried by exposure to air, weighs 15*18 grains. 

[Morphiae Sulphas. Sulphate of Morphia, U. S. Made by dis- 
solving morphia in dilute sulphuric acid, evaporating and crystal- 
lizing. In snow-white, feathery, crystals, wholly! soluble in water. 
Composition C 34 H 19 N0 6 , S0 3 + 5 HO.] 

Codeia (C 36 H 21 N0 6 +2 HO), an alkaloid, in rhombic prisms, or 
octahedral crystals soluble in alcohol and ether, and also in boil- 
ing water, but not in alkaline solutions ; does not exhibit the tests 
given above for Morphia ; it forms crystallized salts with acids. 

Papaverine, (C 40 H 21 N0 8 ), an alkaloid in small acicular crys- 
tals ; the crystals turn blue with oil of vitriol, and the solution 
gives rise to a very insoluble hydrochlorate in brilliant prisms, 
when great excess of the acid is added. 

Thebaia or Paramorphia (C 38 H 21 N0 6 ), an alkaloid, not soluble 
in alkalies ; dose not give the tests of morphia ; crystallizes in 
square plates of a silvery lustre. 

Narcotine (C 46 H^ N0 14 ), neutral, in brilliant prisms, insoluble 
in water and alkalies ; soluble in alcohol, ether and acids, with 
the latter of which it forms acid crystalline salts. 

Narceia (C 46 H 29 N0 18 ), neutral silky crystals, insoluble in ether ; 
a feeble base, reddened by strong sulphuric acid. 

Meconine or Opianyl (C 20 H 10 8 ), neutral, in acicular crystals ; 
exists in opium, but can be formed by the oxidation of narcotine. 

Opiamne, a principle found as yet only in Egyptian opium, has 
been but very imperfectly examined. 

Porphyroxine, a principle whose composition is unknown ; dis- 



MOEPHI^E HYDKOCHLOKAS. 173 

tinguished by becoming purple when heated with dilute hydro- 
chloric acid ; crystalline, but little understood. 

Besides these crystallizable bodies, opium contains several dif- 
ferent Hesins, as yet but little examined, also gummy, extractive, 
and fatty matters, caoutchouc, a trace of volatile oil. and inorganic 
salts. Analyses of opium have given the following per-centage 
of constituents : Morphia, 6 to 12 ; Codeia, less than 1 ; Narco- 
tine, 6 to 8 ; Narceine, less than 1 ; Meconine, less than 1 ; Me- 
conic acid, 6 to 8 • Resin, 10 # 93 ; Bassorine, caoutchouc, fat and 
lignin, 26*25 j salts and volatile oil, 3*60 ; earthy salts, &c, 0*71 ; 
brown acid, gum, &c, 41"17. 

The British Pharmacopoeia gives the following tests for ascer- 
taining the quantity of morphia present in opium : — 

Take of opium 100 grains, slaked lime 100 grains, distilled 
water 4 ounces. Break down the opium, and steep it in 1 ounce 
of the water for 24 hours, stirring the mixture frequently. Trans- 
fer it to a displacement apparatus, and pour on the remainder of 
the water in successive portions, so as to exhaust the opium by 
percolation. To the infusion thus obtained, placed in a flask, add 
the lime, boil for ten minutes, place the undissolved matter on a 
filter, and wash it with 1 ounce of boiling water. Acidulate the 
filtered fluid slightly with dilute hydrochloric acid, evaporate it 
to the bulk of £ an ounce, and let it cool. Neutralize cautiously 
with solution of ammonia, carefully avoiding an excess ; remove by 
filtration the brown matter which separates, wash it with 1 ounce 
of hot water, mix the washings with the filtrate, concentrate the 
whole to the bulk of i of an ounce, and add now solution of am- 
monia in slight excess. After 24 hours collect the precipitated 
morphia on a weighed filter, wash it with cold water, and dry it 
at 212°. It ought to weigh at least from 6 to 8 grains. 

Off. Prep. — Of Opium. Emplastrum Opii. Opium Plaster. 
[Extract of Opium, a troy ounce ; Burgundy pitch, three troy 
ounces ; lead plaster, twelve troy ounces ; water a sufficient quan- 
tity. U. S.] (Opium, in very fine powder, one ounce • resin 
plaster, nine ounces.) 

Enema Opii. Enema of Opium. (Decoction of starch, two 
fluid ounces • tincture of opium, thirty minims. Mix.) [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 



174 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Extractum Opii. Extract of Opium. (Opium, in thin slices, 
one pound ; distilled water, six pints. Prepared by macerating 
the opium, three times, for twenty-four hours each time, in two 
pints of water, mixing the liquors, straining and reducing by 
evaporation to a proper consistence.) 

Extractum Opii Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Opium. (Ex- 
tract of opium, one ounce ; distilled water, seventeen fluid ounces ; 
rectified spirit, three fluid ounces.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Linimentum Opii. Liniment of Opium. (Tincture of opium, 
two fluid ounces ; liniment of soap, two fluid ounces.) [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] 

Pilula Opii. Opium Pill. (Opium, in fine powder, half an 
ounce ; hard soap, two ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency.) 
[Opium, in fine powder, sixty grains ; soap, in fine powder, twelve 
grains. Beat them, with water, into a pilular mass, to be divided 
into sixty pills. U. S.] 

One grain of opium is contained in five grains of the pill mass. 

Pilula Plumbi cum Opio. Pill of Lead and Opium. (Acetate 
of lead, in fine powder, thirty-six grains ; opium, in powder, six 
grains ; confection of roses, six grains.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

One grain of opium is contained in eight grains of the pill mass. 

Pulvis Creta Aromaticus cum Opio. Aromatic Powder of 
Chalk and Opium. (Aromatic powder of chalk, nine ounces and 
three quarters ; opium, in powder, a quarter of an ounce.) 

One part of opium in forty parts of the powder. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] 

Pulvis Ipecacuanha cum Opio. Powder of Ipecacuan and 
Opium. 

Synonym. Pulvis Ipecacuanhas Compositus. 

(Ipecacuan, in powder, half an ounce ; opium, in powder, half 
an ounce ; sulphate of potash, four ounces.) 

One part of opium in ten parts of the powder. This prepara- 
tion is also known as Dover's powder. 

Pulvis Kino cum Opio. Powder of Kino and Opium. 

Synonym. Pulvis Kino Compositus. Lond. 

(Kino, in powder, three ounces and three quarters ; opium, in 
powder, a quarter of an ounce ; cinnamon, in powder, one ounce.) 



MOEPHIJS HYDKOCHLOKAS. 175 

One part of opium in twenty parts of the powder. [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] 

Tinctura Opii. Tincture of Opium. (Powdered opium, one 
ounce and a half ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) 

One grain of dry opium is contained in fourteen minims and a 
half of the tincture. [Opium, dried in powder, two troy ounces 
and a half ; water, alcohol, each a pint ; diluted alcohol, a suffici- 
ent quantity. Two pints of tincture are made by maceration and 
percolation. A grain of dry opium is contained in 12*8 minims 
of the tincture. U. S.] 

Tinctura Camphors cum Opio. Camphorated Tincture of 
Opium. [Tincturas Opii Camphorata. U. S. The formula is 
slightly different, but the strength is the same as in the Br. Ph.] 
(Opium, in coarse powder, forty grains ; benzoic acid, forty grains ; 
camphor, thirty grains ; oil of anise, half a fluid drachm ; proof 
spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) 

One grain of opium is contained in half a fluid ounce of this 
tincture. This preparation is often termed Paregoric Elixir, 
was called Tinctura Camphorge Composita, Lond. Phar. 1851. 

Trochisci Opii. Opium Lozenges. (Extract of opium, seventy- 
two grains ; tincture of tolu, half a fluid ounce ; refined sugar, 
sixteen ounces ; gum arabic, in powder, two ounces ; extract of 
liquorice, sixteen ounces ; boiling distilled water, a sufficiency. 
To make seven hundred and twenty lozenges.) 

Each lozenge contains one-tenth of a grain of extract of opium. 

[Trochisci Glycyrrhizge et Opii. Troches of Liquorice and 
Opium. Opium, in fine powder, half a troy ounce ; liquorice, 
gum arabic, sugar, all in fine powder, each ten troy ounces ; oil of 
anise, a fluid drachm. Made into a mass, with the addition of 
water, and divided into troches, each weighing six grains. U. S. 
Each lozenge contains about one-twelfth of a grain of opium.] 

Unguentum G-ALLiE cum Opio. Ointment of Galls and Opium. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of galls, one ounce ; opium, 
in powder, thirty-two grains.) 

One part of opium is contained in fourteen parts and a half of 
the ointment. 

Vinum Opii. Wine of Opium. (Opium, in powder, one ounce 
and a half; sherry, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) 



176 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

One grain of dry opium is contained in fourteen minims and a 
half of the wine. 

[Opium, in powder, two troy ounces ; cinnamon and cloves, 
each in powder, sixty grains. The powders are macerated with 
fifteen fluid ounces of sherry for fifteen days : the whole is then 
transferred to a percolator, and after the liquid is drained off, 
sherry wine is poured on until a pint of percolate is obtained. 
One grain of opium is contained in eight minims of the wine.] 

Of Hydrochlorate of Morphia : — 

Liquor Morphle Hydro chloratis. Solution of Hydrochlorate 
of Morphia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Hydrochlorate of 
morphia, four grains ; dilute hydrochloric acid, eight minims ; 
rectified spirit, two fluid drachms ; distilled water, six fluid 
drachms.) 

Half a grain of hydrochlorate of morphia is contained in each 
fluid drachm of this solution. It is half the strength of Liquor 
Morphias Hydrochloratis, London, 1851. 

Suppositoria Morphle. Morphia Suppositories. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] Hydrochlorate of morphia, three grains ; refined 
sugar, thirty grains ; prepared lard and wax, of each a sufficiency, 
divided into twelve cones, covered with wax and lard.) Each 
suppository contains a quarter of a grain of the morphia salt. 

Trochisci Morphle. Morphia Lozenges. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of morphia, twenty grains ; tincture 
of tolu, half a fluid ounce ; refined sugar, in powder, twenty-four 
ounces ; gum arabic in powder, one ounce ; mucilage of gum 
arabic, two fluid ounces, or a sufficiency ; boiling distilled water, 
half a fluid ounce. Divide into Y20 lozenges.) Each lozenge con- 
tains one thirty-sixth of a grain of hydrochlorate of morphia. 

Trochisci Morphle et Ipecacuanha. Morphia and Ipecacuan 
Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of morphia, 
twenty grains ; ipecacuan, in fine powder, sixty grains ; and the 
same ingredients in the same quantities, as for the morphia 
lozenges.) 

Each lozenge contains one thirty-sixth of a grain of hydro- 
chlorate of morphia, and one-twelfth of a grain of ipecacuan. 

Hydrochlorate op Morphia is prepared by thoroughly ex- 
hausting opium with water, and evaporating to a small bulk, 



opium. 177 

so that one pint of fluid shall contain the soluble matter of one 
pound of opium. To this is added a strong solution of chloride 
of calcium, and the liquid evaporated till, on cooling, it forms 
a solid mass ; which is then enveloped in two folds of calico, and 
subjected to a powerful pressure. The cake is then triturated 
with about half a pint of boiling water, the whole thrown on 
a filter and washed. The filtered liquor is again evaporated, and 
allowed to cool and solidify, pressed, dissolved as before, evap- 
orated and again allowed to solidify ; if the mass is still much 
coloured, this process may be again repeated. The pressed 
cake is finally dissolved in six ounces of boiling water with animal 
charcoal, for twenty minutes, and, filtered ammonia added in 
slight excess, and the pure crystalline morphia which separates 
collected and dried. This is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, and 
the hydrochlorate of morphia allowed to crystallize. An additional 
quantity of morphia may be obtained from the dark liquids 
expressed, by diluting them with water, precipitating with potash 
in excess, filtering, saturating with hydrochloric acid, and purifying 
with animal charcoal. 

Therapeutics. Opium when taken internally, in small doses, 
produces, at first, some excitement of the vascular and nervous 
systems, shown by increased fulness and rapidity of the pulse, 
exaltation of the mental functions, and very pleasant sensations ; 
these, after a time, are followed by a feeling of drowsiness, and at 
last by a sound sleep, often accompanied with perspiration ; on 
awakening, the individual usually feels some nausea and head- 
ache, the tongue is furred, there is loss of appetite, thirst, and 
a torpid state of the bowels. If pain or spasm be present, these 
become relieved, at the same time the influence of the drug in 
producing sleep is much diminished. The stimulant effect of 
opium does not last long, usually not more than half an hour, 
and when the dose is large, and the patient unaccustomed to the 
drug, it is often scarcely noticed, the soporific influence being 
very speedily produced ; certain conditions of the system and 
the previous long-continued use of the medicine hinder or prevent 
the soporific effect, but favour the development of the symptoms of 
excitement ; when large doses are taken the sleepiness becomes 
intense, and there is great difficulty in awakening the patient ; 
in still larger doses poisonous effects ensue, the sleep passing into 
13 



178 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

a condition of stupor or coma, with gradually increasing slowness 
of respiration, feebleness of pulse, cold perspiration, and contracted 
pupils, followed by death. 

The influence of opium upon the different organs and functions 
of the body may be thus enumerated : 

On the Digestive Organs / it impairs appetite and the digestive 
process, causes thirst, diminishes the secretions from the whole 
mucous membrane, and induces constipation. 

On the Brain and Nervous System the action of opium is most 
powerfully exerted, as is shown in the primary exaltation of the 
mental faculties and the subsequent sleep and coma ; the pupils 
of the eyes become contracted, even to a point, when the patient 
is powerfully under the influence of the drug ; the spine is some- 
times affected, and tetanic symptoms occur, especially when opium 
is given to the lower animals, in whom the cerebral effect is 
less marked. 

On the Vascular System ; opium acts at first as a stimulant 
and then as a sedative, probably both effects are induced through 
the medium of the nervous system ; when given in small doses, 
frequently repeated, the force of the circulation can be kept up 
for a long time. 

On the Cutaneous System / opium causes free perspiration, an 
effect for which the drug is often prescribed, and which is much 
increased by combination with ipecacuanha, camphor, &c. 

On the Secreting and Excreting Organs, with the exception of 
the skin, the effect of opium is to lessen their activity : the bile 
is diminished, as is seen in the pale-coloured faeces ; the urine 
often becomes scanty, and also the saliva and buccal mucus. 

On the Respiratory System, opium produces a sedative effect, 
diminishing the frequency of the respirations, and hence impairing 
the oxidation of the blood. 

On the Sexual System, opium acts as a stimulant, especially in 
males, and has been employed in Eastern countries as an 
aphrodisiac. 

Applied to the skin opium appears to possess some power of 
allaying pain, and is often added to fomentations. When the 
cutis is denuded, the opium and morphia salts become absorbed 
and produce constitutional effects. Applied also to the mucous 
membrane of the rectum in the form of suppository or enema, 



opium. 179 

not only the local but the general symptoms of the drug are 
produced. * 

Opium is perhaps more extensively used than any other drug, 
and of such value is it, that it has been called the'" gift of God" 
to man. It may be employed to allay pain and spasm, occurring 
in almost any condition of the system, as in the varieties of 
neuralgia, colic, during the passage of renal or biliary calculi, 
in tetanus and inflammations of various kinds ; in short, pain, 
from whatever cause arising, is usually advantageously treated 
by opium. 

In Inflammation it is given not only to assuage pain and spasm, 
but to control the disease ; opium seems to have some power 
over the capillary circulation, which is advantageously made use 
of after depletion ; perhaps this may be exercised through the 
medium of the nervous system ; it is very commonly given, 
combined with calomel, in cases of inflammation, where it is 
valuable, not only for the influence it exerts over the disease, but 
also from its preventing the mercurial salt from running off by the 
bowels. Opium is given with tartar emetic, in several forms 
of inflammation. In inflammation of mucous membranes, opium 
may or may not be useful ; when the air passages are ^affected, 
opium should be cautiously administered : but when the intestinal 
tube is involved, as in dysentery, its property of checking secretion 
and allaying irritability is of much value. 

In Fevers opium may be sometimes used when nervous symptoms, 
as tremor and watchfulness, occur, attended with deficient power 
of the vascular system ; it should always be given in small doses, 
and the effects watched. In intermittent fevers, or agues, opium 
sometimes suffices for the cure, when given before the time of 
accession of the cold stage ; but there are other remedies which 
possess greater antiperiodic powers, without the narcotic properties ; 
opium, however, may be occasionally used in intermittent cases 
with advantage. 

In diseases of the Nervous System, when attended with increased 
vascular action, opium is generally injurious ; but when there is 
defective power of the circulation, as in delirium tremens, and allied 
affections, then the value of this drug becomes very evident. 

In Haemorrhages, opium is often useful, especially when there has 
been much loss of blood, and consequent arterial excitement ; 



180 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

whether the drug is a direct astringent to the vascular system is 
doubtful ; it is usually combined in such cases with acetate of lead, 
and gallic acid. 

In Mucous Discharges, opium is often of service, especially in 
diarrhoea ; sometimes also in leucorrhoea, &c. ; but the condition 
of the system must be the guide to the administration of the drug 
in these cases ; certain forms of ulcers, of a phagedenic character* 
or occurring in very weak subjects, are greatly improved by the 
influence of this remedy. 

In Urinary Diseases, to lessen the amount of urine, if excessive, 
as in diabetes ; and to allay the irritability of the bladder, occur- 
ring in many affections of the urinary organs, opium is employed 
with advantage. 

In Chest Affections, this drug should be used with caution ; it 
often allays the cough ; but when the respiratory function is seri- 
ously impaired, increased dyspnoea is sometimes produced by it ; 
opium tends to diminish the expectoration, an effect at times de- 
sirable, but often injurious. 

Opium is used in the form of suppository in painful diseases of 
the rectum and bladder, and chordee ; also as an enema in similar 
cases. \t may be applied to the skin in the form of fomentation, 
over painfully inflamed joints and other parts ; and as a liniment 
or plaster in neuralgic, rheumatic, or other diseases. 

Circumstances influencing the operation of Opium. 

Age has great influence ; children are much more affected than 
adults ; much more than in proportion to the age ; and opium must 
be given with the greatest care to infants and young subjects. 

Certain individuals are peculiarly susceptible of the action of 
opium ; and in some, great excitement and restlessness are pro- 
duced, instead of calmness and sleep. 

The presence of Disease often gives a resisting power to the 
influence of this drug, especially when great pain is present. 

Custom or habit has perhaps the most marked influence on its 
action ; by gradually increasing the dose, enormous quantities may 
be taken without any very evident effect being produced ; the want 
of the drug in such cases is, however, most severely felt. The au- 
thor knew a young man who took 60 grains of Smyrna opium night 



OPIUM. 181 

and morning, and frequently, in addition to this, 1 fluid ounce to 
1^ fluid ounce of laudanum during the day. If the drug be discon- 
tinued, and after a time the large dose at once resumed, poisoning 
may occur. 

Action of Morphia Salts. Morphia appears to possess the ano- 
dyne and soporific powers of opium, and gives to the drug most of 
its valuable properties ; at the same time it, as a rule, acts more 
agreeably, having less tendency to produce headache and nausea ; 
it also is much less stimulant in its operation. Other substances 
contained in opium must impart to the crude drug some of its 
power, for although only about 10 per cent, of morphia exists in 
good opium, yet the alkaloid has not more than four times the 
strength. The different salts of morphia act in the sajne manner, 
when estimated by the amount of the alkaloid contained in them. 

Action of the other constituents of Opium, 

Codeia is stated to act like morphia ; the author questions the 
statement, having repeatedly found 5 grains of codeia fail to re- 
lieve pain (in the case of a patient suffering from a tumour press- 
ing on a nerve), which was always readily subdued by the fourth 
of a grain of morphia. The therapeutics of codeia require to be 
investigated. 

Narcotine was at one time supposed to be the narcotic principle 
of opium, but is now known not to be so ; it probably acts as a 
tonic and antiperiodic : the author has given it with this view in 
half-drachm doses without the production of any narcotic symp- 
toms. 

The actions of the other crystalline principles of opium are as 
yet almost unknown ; the resinous matter certainly possesses con- 
siderable power, and in one case in which it was administered in 
rather large doses, giddiness and great contraction of the pupils 
ensued. 

Dose. Of opium, \ gr. to 3 gr. or more ; of extract, opii, J- g r « 
to 3 gr. or more ; of extractum opii liquidum, 4 min. to 40 min, or 
more ; of tiuct. opii (laudanum), 4 min. to 40 min. or more ; of 
vinum opii, 4 min. to 40 min. or more ; of pulv. cretaB aromaticus 
cum opio, 10 gr. to 60 gr. ; of pil. opii, 1\ gr. upwards ; of pulv. 
kino, cum opio, 10 gr. upwards ; of tinctura camphorse cum opio, 
1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of pil. plumbi cum opio, 4 gr. to 8 gr. ; of 



182 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

trochisci opii, one to four ; of morphias hydrochloras, } gr. to 
1 gr. ; of liquor morphias hydrochloratis, 20 min. to 2 fl. drm. 
[of Liquor Morphias Sulphatis, U. S., 30 min. to 2 fl. drm.] ; of 
trochisci morphias, one to four ; of trochisci morphias et ipecacu- 
anha, one to four. 

Adulteration. Opium often contains many mechanical impuri- 
ties, as stones, sand, clay, bullets, &c. ; it may also be mixed with 
vegetable extracts of various kinds, sugar and treacle ; it may 
contain much water, and it may have had much of its active mat- 
ter extracted by water, and subsequently dried ; physical exami- 
nation will throw much light on the value of the drug, but on ac- 
count of its very varying quality, processes are employed for ascer- 
taining the amount of morphia contained in it, and this is taken as 
the index to the commercial value of the drug. The process given 
above may be resorted to witli advantage. Good Smyrna opium 
should yield 10 per cent, of morphia ; Egyptian opium about 6 or 
7 per cent. ; East Indian, from 3 to 8 per cent, or more. 

Rhceas. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] The dried petals of Papaver 
Rhoeas, the Red or Corn Poppy ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria mono- 
gynia ; indigenous : growing in fields and waste places. 

Description. The petals are of a rich scarlet colour when fresh, 
becoming dull red on drying. They have the peculiar heavy odour 
of opium when fresh, but become scentless on drying. 

Prop, dh Com]). The petals yield to water red colouring mat- 
ter, for which they are chiefly prized : this colour is much dark- 
ened by alkalies. They contain, in addition to the red colouring 
matter, minute traces of the peculiar constituents of opium. 

Off. Prep. Syrupus Rhcbados. Syrup of Red Poppy. (Red 
poppy petals, thirteen ounces ; boiling distilled water, one pint ; 
sugar, two pounds and a quarter ; rectified spirit, two fluid ounces 
and a half. Add the red poppy petals gradually to the water, 
heated in a water-bath, frequently stirring ; then set the vessel 
aside, macerate for twelve hours ; afterwards press out the liquid. 
Strain, add the sugar, and dissolve by means of heat. When cold 
add the spirit, and as much distilled water as may be necessary to 
make up for loss in the process, so that the product shall weigh 
three pounds ten ounces, and should have the specific gravity 1*33.) 

Therapeutics. The action of red poppy is very slight, but simi- 



SUSTAPIS. 183 

lar to that of opium ; the amount of active ingredients is very 
small, and rather uncertain in quantity. It is chiefly used as a 
colouring agent. 

Dose. Of syrupus rhceados, from 1 fl. drm. upwards. 

[Sanguinaria. Bloodroot. U. S. The rhizoma of Sanguinaria 
Canadensis ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria monogynia. A perennial herb 
growing throughout the United States. 

Description. In pieces of from one to three inches in length, 
half an inch in thickness, dark brown ; externally, wrinkled, con- 
torted, terminating abruptly ; internally, the colour varies from 
whitish to a dark-red, and has, when the root is good, a resinous 
appearance. 

Prop. <& Comp. Odour faint, taste bitter, acrid, and persistent. 
Contains an alkaline principle, Sanguinarine, which forms with 
acids, salts having some shade red or scarlet. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Sanguinariae. Bloodroot, in moderately 
fine powder, four troy ounces ; percolate with diluted alcohol until 
two pints of tincture are obtained. 

Therapeutics. Bloodroot is emetic, but is rarely used to pro- 
duce vomiting : in moderate doses it is a useful expectorant, not 
impairing the appetite or quickening the circulation. In over 
doses its action is violent and it causes depression of the pulse 
and disturbance of the nervous system. 

Dose. Of powder, as an emetic, from 10 to 20 gr. ; of the tinc- 
ture, 20 fl. drm. to J an ounce ; as an expectorant, of the powder, 
3 to 5 gr. every few hours ; of the tincture, from 20 minims to a 
fl. drm.] 

CHUCIFERJE, OR BBASSICACEiE. 

Sinapis. Mustard. The seed of Sinapis nigra and Sinapis alba, or 
Black and White Mustard ; Lin. Syst., Tetradynamia siliquosa : 
plants common in Europe. 

Description. Black mustard seeds are very small, round, 
wrinkled, and brownish-black on the surface, yellow within ; 
white mustard seeds are larger, and yellow on the surface. The 
seeds reduced to powder are the officinal part. 

Prop. & Comp. When crushed, both seeds yield the flour of 



184 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

mustard ; the best is made from the mixed seeds ; when dry, it 
has little or no odour, but an acrid, bitterish, oily, pungent taste, 
and gives off, when moist, a peculiar pungent smell, very irritat- 
ing to the eyes and nostrils. Both seeds contain a fixed oil, from 
25 to 35 per cent. Black mustard contains no volatile oil ready 
formed, but a principle named myronic acid, united with potash, 
containing about ^ per cent. ; the myronate of potash has the com- 
position (KO, C 20 H 19 NO ]8 ) and by the action of an albuminous 
matter also contained in the seed, and termed myrosine, breaks 
up, in the presence of water, into the oil of mustard, sugar, and 
probably bisulphite of potash. The volatile oil of mustard is of a 
slight yellow colour ; sp. gr. about 1*03 ; very pungent and acrid ; 
has the composition (C 8 H 5 NS 2 ) or C 6 H 5 , C 2 NS 2 ), Sulphocyanide 
of Allyle. White mustard does not yield the volatile oil, but con- 
tains a crystallisable compound, sidphosinapisin, which gives 
rise to an acrid but not volatile principle, containing sulphur. 
This compound has been supposed to be the hydrosulphocyanide 
of a peculiar alkaloid sinapine (C 32 H 23 NO 10 .) The fixed oil of 
mustard contains erucic acid (HO, C 44 H 41 3 ). A decoction of 
flour of mustard, when cooled, should not be made blue by tincture 
of iodine, indicating the absence of starch. 

Off. Prep. Cataplasma Sin apis. Mustard Cataplasm. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Boiling water, ten fluid ounces ; powdered 
linseed, powdered mustard, of each two ounces and a half. By 
degrees add the powders, first well mixed, to the water ; keep 
stirring that a cataplasm may be formed.) Too hot water, or 
alcohol, or vinegar are apt to injure the production of the vola- 
tile oil. 

Therapeutics. Mustard seeds and flour act as powerful stimu- 
lants. Internally, in large doses, mustard causes speedy vomiting 
(useful in narcotic poisoning) ; in smaller doses, as a condiment, 
it assists digestion. The entire seed was formerly used, and now 
and then caused ill effects, from accumulating in the intestines. 
Externally, in the form of cataplasma sinapis, it is a powerful 
rubefacient, useful in slight inflammations, head affections, neural- 
gic and other pains and spasms. 

Dose. As an emetic, from one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful 
mixed with a little water. 



VIOLA. 185 

Adulteration. Flour of mustard is extensively mixed with 
common flour, pepper, chilies, turmeric, &c. 

Armor acia. Horseradish. The recent root of Cochlearia Armo- 
j-acia [not officinal in U. S. P.] ; Lin. Syst., Tetradynamia sili- 
culosa: common throughout Europe, cultivated in Britain. 

Description. A long, white, tap-shaped root, familiar to all. 

Prop. <& Oomp. When scraped, it emits a very pungent 
odour, and has an acrid taste, depending on a volatile oil (C 8 H 5 
NS 2 ) identical with oil of mustard ; probably the oil is formed as 
in the black mustard seed. 

Off. Prep. Spiritus Armoracle Compositus. Compound 
Spirit of Horseradish. (Horseradish sliced, dried orange peel, 
each twenty ounces ; bruised nutmeg, half an ounce ; proof spirit, 
a gallon ; water, 2 pints. Mix them ; let a gallon distil with a 
moderate heat.) 

Therapeutics. The same as mustard ; seldom employed in the 
fresh state except as a condiment. The officinal preparation is 
used in atonic dyspepsia ; also as a sudorific in chronic rheuma- 
tism, &c. As a syrup it has been slowly swallowed in hoarseness, 
an infusion is also occasionally prescribed. 

Dose. Of spiritus armoraciaa c, 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. 

VIOLACEJE. 

Viola. Violet. (Not officinal.) The recent petals of Viola 
odorata, the Sweet Violet ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia : 
indigenous. 

Description. Small petals, having a very agreeable charac- 
teristic odour and colour. The root has been used as a me- 
dicine. 

Prop. (& Oomp. The infusion, which is not strongly coloured, 
becomes bright red on the addition of an acid, and green with an 
alkali, and hence employed as a test. Besides the above colouring 
matter, the petals contain a volatile oil and a little acrid matter, 
violine, which can be separated as a white powder, and somewhat 
resembles emetina. 

Prep. Syrupus Viol^e, Lond., 1851. Syrup of Violet. 



186 MATEKIA MED1CA. 

(Violets, nine ounces ; boiling distilled water, one pint ; sugar, 
three pounds, or as niucli as may be necessary ; rectified spirit, 
two fluid ounces and a half, or as much as necessary. Macerate 
the violet flowers in water for twelve hours, then press and strain. 
Set aside that the dregs may subside, and complete the process 
as directed for syrup of marsh- mallow.) 

Therapeutics. Violets are used in medicine for their colour, 
and on account of the slight laxative effect of the syrup, which 
is given to very young children, either alone, or mixed with almond 
oil. The root is purgative, and emetic in half-drachm or drachm 
doses. 

Dose. Of syrupus violae, ■§- drm. to 2 drm. 

Adulteration. Sometimes the petals of the scentless species are 
substituted for those of the sweet violet ; of little therapeutic im- 
portance. 

POLYGALACEJE. 

Senega. Senega ; the root of Polygala Senega ; Lin. Syst., Dia- 
delphia octandria : a small plant growing in the United States 
of America. 

Description. Root-stock, or knotty head with roots proceeding 
from it about the thickness of a quill, twisted and keeled. Bark 
yellowish brown, interior wood tasteless, inert. 

Prop. & Comp. Taste sweetish, and acrid to the fauces ; it 
contains a principle called senegin or polygalic acid, obtained as a 
white powder, with some tannin, pectin, gum, &c. The active 
part of the root is the cortex. 

Off. Prep. Infusium Senega. Infusion of Senega. (Senega, 
bruised, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 

Tinctura Senega. Tincture of Senega. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Senega, bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, 
twenty fluid ounces ; prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

[Decoctum Senegas. Decoction of Seneka ; a trby ounce of 
seneka is boiled for fifteen minutes, strained and enough water 
added to make up a pint. Syrupus Senegas. Syrup Seneka. Seneka, 
in moderately fine powder, four troy ounces ; sugar in coarse 
powder, fifteen troy ounces ; diluted alcohol two pints. The Sen- 



KEAMEEIA. 187 

eka is percolated with the alcohol, and the tincture is evaporated 
to half a pint, filtered, the sugar added and dissolved by the aid 
of heat. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Senega root is a stimulant to the mucous mem- 
branes and skin, acting especially on the bronchial tubes. It is 
chiefly employed in asthenic and chronic bronchitis ; also in dys- 
menorrhea and albuminuria : often combined with sesqui-carbonate 
of ammonia, and other expectorants and diuretics. 

Dose. Of powder 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; of the infusium senegae, 1 
oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tinctura senegae, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 
[Of the decoction 1 to 2 fl. oz., of syrup 1 to 3 fl. drm.] 

Adulteration. Ginseng, or root of Panax quinquefolium ; also 
Gillenia, detected by absence of the line running along the true 
senega root. 

Krameria. Rhatany, the dried root of Krameria triandra ; Lin. 
Syst., Tetrandria monogynia: growing in Peru and Chili. 

Description. Generally a large root-stock about an inch in 
diameter, with long roots from one-sixth to half an inch thick 
proceeding from it. Externally, dark red or reddish brown ; in- 
ternally, paler red. The powder is red. 

Prop, dfc Comp. Rhatany has no odour, but a sweetish 
astringent taste, tinging the saliva very red. It contains krameric 
acid, of which little is known, about 40 per cent, of tannin, and a 
red astringent matter. These are all soluble in water and al- 
cohol. 

Off. Prep. Extr actum Kramerle. Extract of Rhatany. 
(Rhatany in coarse powder, one pound ; distilled water, a gallon. 
Prepared by maceration, percolation, and subsequent evaporation.) 

Infusum Kramerle. Infusion of Rhatany. (Rhatany, half an 
ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Rhatany, in 
moderately coarse powder, a troy ounce. A pint of infusion is 
made by percolation with cold water. U. S.] [Rhatany, in moder- 
ately fine powder, six troy ounces ; two pints of tincture are ob- 
tained by percolation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] 

Tinctura Kramerle. Tincture of Rhatany. (Rhatany bruised, 
two ounces and a-half ; proof spirit, one pint ; prepared by mac- 



188 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

eration and percolation.) Khatany is also contained in pulvis 
catechu compositus. 

Therapeutics. A powerful astringent ; may be used whenever 
tannin is indicated. The powder has had much repute as a den- 
tifrice when the gums are bleeding or spongy. It may also be 
employed as a gargle or injection in relaxed sore throat, leucor- 
rhoea, and prolapsus ani, in the form of the infusion. 

Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; of extract kramerise, 
2 gr. to 20 gr. ; of inf. kramerise, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of tinct. 
krainerias, £ fl. drm. to 1J fl. drm. 

LINACEiE. 

Lini Semen. The seed of Linum usitatissimum ; common Lin- 
seed or Flax ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria pentagynia : an indigen- 
ous plant. 

Lini Farina. Linseed Meal. 

Lini Oleum. Linseed Oil. 

Description. The seed is small, oval, oblong, and flattened, 
pointed at one end ; dark brown and shining on the surface, and 
white within. The flour or linseed meal, consists of the seeds 
ground and deprived of their oil by expression. The oil is of a 
light yellow colour, similar in appearance to most other vegetable 
oils. 

Prop. (& Oomp. The seeds contain a fixed oil, about 20 per 
cent., and mucilage, together with the ordinary constituents of 
seeds ; the oil is found in the kernel, the mucilage in the envelope 
or testa of the seed. After the expression of the oil, the marc 
which remains is called linseed or oil-cake : and when powdered, 
linseed meal. The fixed oil, sp. gr. 0*93, rapidly absorbs oxygen 
from air and forms a varnish, hence called a drying oil ; it con- 
tains oleine and margarine. The oleic acid from linseed oil differs 
somewhat from ordinary oleic acid. 

Off. Prep, of the Meal. Cataplasma Lini. Linseed Poultice. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Boiling water, ten fluid ounces ; lin- 
seed meal, four ounces ; olive oil, half a fluid ounce. Mix the lin- 
seed meal with the oil, then add the water gradually, constantly 
stirring.) 



ALTHAEA. 189 

Of the Seed. Infustjm Lini. Infusion of Linseed. [Infusum 
Lini Compositum. U. S.] (Linseed, one hundred and sixty grains ; 
fresh liquorice, sliced, sixty grains ; boiling distilled water, ten 
fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. Internally, when given in the form of the infu- 
sion linseed is demulcent, from the mucilage and the little oil con- 
tained in it, and has been employed in catarrhal and urinary 
affections ; also in diarrhoea and dysentery. Externally, linseed 
powder is used as a poultice to inflamed and suppurating parts. 
The oil is a useful emollient to burns or scalds, either alone or 
mixed with lime-water, and the Linimentum Calcis, Edin., is made 
with it in place of olive oil. 

Dose. The infusion may be taken ad libitum. 

Linum Catharticum, or Purging Flax, was contained in the 
Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, 1848. The dried plant is used made 
into infusion, and given in doses of about thirty grains ; it has no 
particular value as a purgative. 

MALVACEJE. 

Althaea. Marsh-mallow. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in IT. S. P.] 
The root of Althaea officinalis, or March-mallow ; Lin. Syst., 
Monodelphia polyandria : growing throughout Europe. 

Description. Small cylindrical pieces, about the size of a fin- 
ger yellowish white externally, white within ; the epidermis is 
generally removed. 

Prop. & Comp. Little odour, taste sweet and mucilaginous ; 
it contains much mucilage, some starch and sugar, also altheine 
(C 8 H 8 N 2 5 ), identical with asparagine. 

Prep. Syrupus Alth^e, Loud. Ph., 1851. Syrup of Marsh- 
mallow. (Marsh-mallow, sliced, one ounce and a half; sugar, 
three pounds, or as much as may be necessary ; distilled water, 
one pint ; rectified spirit, two and a half fluid ounces, or as much 
as may be necessary. Macerate the march-mallow in the water 
for twelve hours, press out the liquor, and strain through linen ; 
then add of sugar twice the weight of the strained liquid, and 
dissolve with a gentle heat. Lastly, when the syrup has cooled, 
mix to each fluid ounce half a fluid drachm of spirit.) 



190 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Therapeutics. Simply a demulcent, used to allay cough, as 
other mucilages ; much used in France, under the name Guimauve, 
in lozenges, &c. 

Dose. Of a decoction, ad libitum ; of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 
1 fl. oz. 

Besides the altheea, other malvaceous plants are used for the 
mucilage they contain, as the Malva sylvestris, or common mallow 
and the Malva rosea, or hollyhock. 

Cotton Wool. (Appendix A.) [Gossypium. Cotton. U.S.] A 
filamentous substance attached to the seeds of Gossypium her- 
baceum and other species of this genus ; Lin. Syst., Monodel- 
phia polyandria. Carded. 

[Gossypii Radix. The root of Gossypium herbaceum and other 
species of Gossypium. U. S.] 

Description. Cotton consists of fine filaments or tubular hairs, 
becoming flattened by drying, which were attached to the seed- 
coat ; these tubes have but few joints when examined by the micro- 
scope : cotton can be distinguished from linen by the fibres on the 
latter having tapering ends, and being aggregated in bundles. In 
composition it resembles lignin, or ordinary woody fibre (C 36 H 30 
O 30 ), it is used for the preparation of pyroxylin, gun cotton. 

Pyroxylin. Gun Cotton. (Appendix A.) 

Prep. By immersing cotton wool in equal parts of sulphuric 
acid and nitric acid, afterwards well washing, and drying in a 
water-bath. (A weaker acid is required for making a soluble 
pyroxylin.) 

Prop. (& Com]). It is readily soluble in a mixture of ether 
and rectified spirit, leaves no residue when exploded by heat, it 
resembles cellulin in composition, with a certain number of equiva- 
lents of hydrogen, replaced by peroxide of nitrogen (C 36 H 22 , 8 
NO 4 ,O 80 ). It is used in the Pharmacopoeia for the preparation of 
collodion. 

Use. Cotton is used as an application to burns and scalds, 
diminishing the inflammation, and aiding recovery probably from 
protecting the surface : occasionally employed in erysipelas. [The 
root is said to promote the contractions of the uterus in the par- 
turient female. A decoction is made by boiling four ounces of 



AUEAISTTH FLOEIS AQUA. 191 

the inner bark of the root in a quart of water until it is reduced 
to a pint. Dose, a wine-glass full every twenty or thirty minutes.] 

Collodium. Collodion. 

Prep. Pyroxylin, one ounce ; ether, thirty- six fluid ounces ; 
rectified spirit, twelve fluid ounces. Dissolve the pyroxylin in the 
ether, mixed previously with the rectified spirit. 

Prop. & Comp. A colourless highly inflammable liquid with 
ethereal odour, which dries rapidly upon exposure to the air, and 
leaves a thin transparent film, insoluble in water and rectified 
spirit. 

Use. Collodion, when applied to the skin, leaves, on the 
evaporation of the ether, a thin transparent layer, and may be used 
to cut and inflamed surfaces, in skin diseases, and chapped nipples, 
to arrest hemorrhage from leech-bites, &c. : in some of these 
cases it acts by forming a protecting surface ; in others, through 
the contraction of the film constricting the vessels of the part. 



Aurantii Cortex. Bitter Orange Peel. The exterior rind of 
the fruit of Citrus Bigaradia, the Seville or bitter orange tree ; 
Lyn. Syst., Polydelphia polyandria: growing in Southern 
Europe, Spain, &c. [Aurantii Amari Cortex. Bitter Orange 
Peel. The rind of the fruit of citrus vulgaris. Aurantii Dulcis 
Cortex. Sweet Orange Peel. The rind of the fruit of Citrus 
Aurantium. Aurantii Flores. Orange Flowers. The flowers 
of Citrus Aurantium and Citrus Vulgaris.] 

Aurantii Floris Aqua. Orange Flower Water. Water dis- 
tilled from the flower of Citrus Bigaradia, and Citrus Aurantium, 
the sweet orange tree, prepared mostly in France. 

Description. The cortex, or rind, is well known ; it has an 
aromatic bitter taste and fragrant odour ; the interior white por- 
tion should be removed. Aqua Floris Aurantii has the grateful 
odour of the orange blossoms. 

Prop. & Comp. The cortex, or rind, contains a volatile oil 
(C 20 H 16 ), a bitter extractive, and a little gallic acid. Aqua Floris 
Aurantii contains a little volatile oil differing from that contained 



192 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

in the cortex. The water should be colourless with a fragrant 
odour. It should not be coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen. 

Off. Prep, of the Peel:— 

Infusum Aurantii. Infusion of Orange Peel. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Dried orange peel, half an ounce ; boiling distilled 
water, ten fluid ounces.) 

Syrupus Aurantii. Syrup of Orange Peel. (Tincture of 
Orange Peel, one fluid ounce ; syrup, seven fluid ounces.) 

Tinctura Aurantii. Tincture of Orange Peel. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Bitter orange peel, cut small and bruised, two 
ounces ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and per- 
colation.) 

Of the Orange Flower Water : — 

Syrupus Aurantii Floris. Syrup of Orange Flower Water. 
(Orange flower water, eight fluid ounces ; refined sugar, three 
pounds ; distilled water, sixteen fluid ounces, or a sufficiency to 
make the product four pounds and a half. The sp. gr. should 
be 1-33.) 

Orange peel is contained in some other officinal preparations. 

Therapeutics. The rind is an aromatic, bitter stomachic, a pleas- 
ant adjunct to other bitters in the treatment of dyspepsia ; it covers, 
to some extent, the taste of quinine. Aqua Floris Aurantii, and 
Syrupus Floris Aurantii, are only used as vehicles, and to give 
flavour to other medicines. 

Dose. Of infusum aurantii, 1 oz. to 2 oz. : of tinctura aurantii, 
1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of syrupus aurantii, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; 
of aqua floris aurantii, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of syrupus floris 
aurantii, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Orange flower water may contain lead, derived 
from the vessels in which it is imported ; this can be detected 
by passing sulphuretted hydrogen through it ; when free from 
metallic impurity, it is not discoloured. 

Limonis Cortex. Lemon Peel. The fresh outer part of the 
rind of the fruit [The rind of the fruit. U. S.] of Citrus Limo- 
num, the Lemon tree ; Lin. Syst.. Polyadelphia polyandria : a 
tree cultivated in Southern Europe. 



LIMOJSTS succus. 193 

Xjimonis Oleum. Oil of Lemons. The oil expressed or distilled 
from the fresh lemon peel ; imported chiefly from Sicily. 

Xjimonis Succus. Lemon Juice. The expressed juice of the ripe 
fruit of Citrus Limonum. 

Description. The rind, familiar to all, should have the interior 
white portion removed ; it occurs in thin slices of a yellow colour, 
dotted with numerous vesicles of oil, with a fragrant odour and 
aromatic, slightly bitter, taste. 

The volatile oil is usually obtained by rasping the outer portion 
of the rind, and pressing it in hair sacks, sometimes by distilla- 
tion ; it is of a pale yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the 
peel : the purer oil is obtained by distillation. 

The juice, made by pressing the fruit and straining, forms a 
slightly turbid, almost colourless mucilaginous acid liquid, possess- 
ing a sharp acid taste and grateful odour. 

Prop. & Comp. The rind contains the volatile oil, a hitter ex- 
tractive and a little gallic acid ; also a principle, Hesperidine, 
which crystallizes in fine white needles. 

The volatile oil, Limonis Oleum, sp. gr. 0*85, consists of two 
isomeric oils (as is the case with most volatile oils). Composition 
(C 20 H l6 ). 

The juice, Limonis Succus, contains citric acid (3 HO, Ci 2 H*, O n ), 
described under acids, in the inorganic department, and mucilage, 
with small quantities of malic acid, and acid salts, especially those 
of potash. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Peel. Syrupus Limonis. Syrup of Lemons. 
(Fresh lemon peel, two ounces ; lemon juice, strained, twenty fluid 
ounces ; sugar, two pounds and a quarter.) The product should 
weigh three pounds and a half, and should have the sp. gr. 1*34. 

Tinctura Limonis. Tincture of Lemon Peel. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Fresh lemon peel, sliced thin, two ounces and a 
half ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and perco- 
lation.) 

Oil of lemons is contained in Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus. 

Of the Juice. Syrupus Limonis. Syrup of Lemons. (Fresh 

lemon peel, two ounces ; lemon juice, strained, one pint ; refined 

sugar, two pounds and a quarter. The product should weigh three 

pounds and a half, and should have the sp. gr. 1*34.) 
14 



194 MATEK1A MEDICA. 

Therapeutics. The peel is an aromatic stomachic ; the volatile 
oil a stimulant and carminative when given internally, and stimu- 
lant and rubefacient externally applied ; the juice is refrigerant, 
resembling a solution of citric acid, and may be used for making 
effervescing draughts, in lieu of that acid. It possesses some pow- 
ers besides, which render it antiscorbutic, which citric acid cer- 
tainly is not ; the author attributes this power to the potash salts 
contained in it. The juice has been proposed as a remedy in rheu- 
matism. 

Dose. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. or more ; of the 
tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of 
the juice, 1 fl. drm. to 4 fl. drm. or more. 

Adulteration. Oil of lemons is liable to admixture with oil of 
turpentine, difficult to detect except when in large quantities. 
Lemon juice is frequently mixed with lime juice, which has the 
same properties ; and that used in the navy has a tenth part of 
brandy added to it to prevent decomposition. A mixture of sugar 
and water, acidulated with sulphuric acid, has often been substi- 
tuted for lemon juice. 

Bela. Bael. The half ripe fruit, dried, of ^Egle Marmalos. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 

Description. A round fruit about the size of a large orange, 
with a hard rind of a woody consistence. It is usually met with 
in dried slices or fragments, consisting of the rind, with some ad- 
herent dried pulp and seeds ; the rind is about a line and a half 
thick, externally covered with a smooth greyish epidermis, and 
internally brownish orange or red. The moistened pulp is mucil- 
aginous. 

Drop. & Comp. The chemical composition of bael has not been 
accurately determined ; it contains some astringent principle, 
probably more or less allied to tannic acid. 

Off. Prep. Exteactum Bel^b Liquidum. Liquid Extract of 
Bael. (Made by exhausting one pound of bael by repeated macer- 
ations in water, evaporating the solution to fourteen fluid ounces, 
and then adding two fluid ounces of rectified spirit.) 

Each fluid ounce of the extract represents one ounce of bael. 

Therapeutics. Indian bael has obtained much reputation in 



CAMBOGIA. 195 

India in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. From the au- 
thor's limited experience of its powers in diarrhoea, he is not dis- 
posed to consider it superior to some other vegetable astringents. 
The fruit, when ripe, yields a pulp which can be made into jelly, 
and acts as a mild aperient. 

Dose, Of extractum belae liquidum, 1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 

GUTTIFEBiE. 

Cambogia. Gamboge. The gum resin from undetermined 
species of Garcinia, imported from Siam. The Ceylon variety 
is derived from Hebradendron gambogioides. [Gambogia. 
Gamboge. The concrete juice of an undetermined tree. U. S.] 

Description. The Siam gamboge occurs in pipes or cylinders, 
externally streaked, from the impression of the bamboo reeds, in 
which the juice is collected ; the pipes are from -§• inch to 1-J- inch 
or more in diameter. Gamboge is hard, brittle, breaking with a 
vitreous fracture, of a bright yellow colour : inferior varieties, in 
fragments and masses, also come from Siam ; and a coarse kind is 
made at Ceylon. 

Prop. & Comp. No odour, taste slight at first, afterwards 
acrid, easily powdered. It consists of about TO per cent, of resin, 
gambogic acid (C 40 H 23 8 ), with gum, &c. ; when good, there is 
no starch ; rubbed with water, the gum dissolves, the remainder is 
the suspended resin, forming a yellow emulsion. The resin dis- 
solves in alcohol, but is again precipitated by water. 

Off. Prep. Pilula Cambogle Composita. Compound Gamboge 
Pill. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Gamboge, one ounce ; Bar- 
badoes aloes, one ounce ; aromatic powder, one ounce ; hard soap, 
in powder, two ounces ; syrup, a sufficiency.) 

Therapeutics. Gamboge acts as a drastic and hydragogue pur- 
gative, often causing vomiting. It is seldom given alone, but 
combined with cream of tartar or calomel, it may be used in 
dropsies ; and with aloes and aromatics, as an ordinary brisk 
purgative ; sometimes as a vermifuge. 

Dose. Of the powder, 1 gr. to 5 gr. ; of pil. gambogia? c, 5 
gr. to 15 gr. 



196 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Adulterations. An emulsion made with boiling water does not 
become green on the addition of iodine, showing the absence of 
starch, with which it is sometimes adulterated. 

CAKEIIACEJE. 

Canella. Canella. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in IT. S. P.] The 
bark of Canella alba or Laurel-leaved Canella; Lin. Syst., 
Dodecandria monogynia : growing in the West Indies. 

Description. The bark occurs in large quills or flattened 
pieces about an inch or so in diameter, and of varying length ; 
externally, of a pinkish white colour ; internally, very white : it 
breaks with a starchy fracture. 

Prop. <& Comp. Odour, spicy ; taste, warm and bitter. It 
contains a resin, a little volatile oil, and bitter extractive, besides 
starch and mannite sugar ; no tannic, gallic, or sulphuric acids 
are present. 

Prep. In the United States Pharmacopoeia, a compound pow- 
der of aloes and canella was contained under the old name of 
Hiera Picra. [Purvis Aloe et Canellae. Powder of aloes and 
canella. U. S. Aloes, three ounces ; canella, twelve ounces.] 

Therapeutics. An aromatic bitter stomachic and tonic ; it may 
be given in cases of atonic dyspepsia. 

Dose. Of the powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr. [Of the powder of 
aloes and canella, from 10 to 20 grs.] 

Adulteration. Canella is not itself adulterated, but has been 
substituted for Winter's bark : for the distinguishing characters } 
see Winter's bark, 

VITACEiE. 

Uvse. Raisins. The ripe fruit of Vitis vinifera, or the Grape 
Yine, dried in the sun or with artificial heat; Lin. Syst., Pen- 
tandria monogynia. [Uva passa. The dried fruit of Vitis vin- 
ifera. TJ. S.] Probably a native of Persia, cultivated exten- 
sively in differe&t parts of Europe. Imported from Spain. 

Prop. <& Comp. Raisins contain a considerable amount of 
grape sugar (C 12 H 14 14 ), and bitartrate of potash ; it is from the 



GUAIACUM. 197 

grape that tartaric acid is derived, being obtained, from argol, the 
deposit on the sides of wine-casks. 

Off. Prep. Raisins are contained in tinct. cardamomi C, and. 
tinct. sennas. 

Therapeutics. Slightly refrigerant, but never used in medicine 
for any therapeutic property they possess. Used only to sweeten 
preparations. 

Vinum Xericum. Sherry. Sherry is described under the head 
of Alcoholic preparations. 

ZYGOPHYLLACEiE. 

Guaiaci Lignum. Guaiacum, or Guaiac Wood. Lignum Vitae. 
The Wood of Guaiacum Officinale, the Officinal Guaiacum 
Tree ; a native of St. Domingo and Jamaica ; in the form of 
shavings or raspings. 

Guaiacum. [Guaiaci Resina. U. S.] Guaiacum Resin. A resin 
obtained from the stem of Guaiacum officinale by natural exu- 
dation from incisions, or by heat. 

Description. Guaiacum wood is met with in large logs, and 
known by the name of Lignum Vitae, generally denuded of bark, 
and consisting of the duramen or heart-wood, of a dark greenish- 
brown colour, and the alburnum of a yellow tint ; it is very hard, 
tough, and heavy ; sp. gr. 1*33 ; the heart-wood contains a large 
amount of the guaiacum resin, which is dark brown, transparent, 
in very thin layers, brittle, of aromatic odour, and leaving, when 
tasted, a peculiar burning sensation in the throat ; the tears are 
oval, of varying size, and often covered with a greenish powder on 
the surface. The resin is usually procured by boring a longitudi- 
nal hole in the log, and putting one end of it into the fire ; the resin 
melts and exudes at the other end, where it is collected. That 
obtained by natural exudation is in the form of tears of varying 
size. The wood is commonly sold in chips or raspings for medici- 
nal purposes ; these when boiled in salt water yield the resin, 
which rises to the surface. 

Prop. & Comp. The most important constituent of the wood 
is the above-described resin, which has a sp. gr. 1*29, is insoluble 



198 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

in water, or yields to that fluid only some extractive matter mixed 
with it ; a solution in rectified spirit strikes a clear blue colour 
when applied to the inner surface of a paring of raw potatoe, due 
to the action of guaiacic acid on the gluten ; soluble in alcohol and 
ether, also in alkaline solutions ; precipitated from alcohol by 
water, and from alkalies by acids ; acted on by nitric acid and 
chlorine, when the colour is first shaded green, then blue, at last 
brown. The resin contains guaiacic acid, which has the composi- 
tion (HO, C 12 H 7 5 ), and has been obtained in crystalline needles, 
and another resinous acid the composition of which is not well 
known. 

Off. Prep.— Of the Resin. 

Mistura Guaiaci. Mixture of Guaiacum. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Powdered guaiacum, half an ounce ; sugar, half an 
ounce ; gum-arabic, powdered, a quarter of an ounce ; cinnamon 
water, one pint.) 

[Tinctura Guaiaci. Tincture of Guaiac, U. S. Two pints of 
tincture are obtained by percolation through six ounces of Guaiac] 

Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of 
Guaiacum. (Guaiac resin in fine powder, four ounces j aromatic 
spirits of ammonia, one pint.) 

[Guaiac, in moderately coarse powder, six troy ounces ; aromatic 
spirits of ammonia, two pints ; macerate for seven days and filter. 
U.S.] 

Guaiacum resin also enters into the composition of pilula calo- 
melanos composita. 

Guaiacum wood forms an ingredient of decoctum sarsae composi- 
tum. 

Therapeutics. Guaiacum, either in the form of wood or resin, 
when taken internally, is apt to cause heat in the throat, irritation 
of the intestinal canal, and, in large doses, purging. When ab- 
sorbed it acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic and alterative, and is by 
some considered to be an emmenagogue. It is employed in chronic 
forms of rheumatism, especially that variety called cold rheuma- 
tism, in which the symptoms are relieved by warmth ; also in peri- 
osteal affections connected with a syphilitic taint, and other chronic 
affections, as gout, skin diseases, and dysmenorrhcea. 

Dose. Of guaiac resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of mistura guaiaci, 



BTTCCO. 199 

1 fl. oz. to 1% fl. oz. ; of tinctura guaiaci ammoniata, i fl. drm. to 
1 fl. drm. ; of tinctura guaiaci 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Other resins, as that from the coniferous trees, 
detected by the terebinthinate odour, and solubility in oil of tur- 
pentine. A simple tincture of guaiacum, when thrown into water, 
becomes milky, from the precipitation of the resin : if a solution 
of potash is now carefully added, it is cleared, and remains so after 
excess of the alkali, provided guaiacum only be present, but not if 
other resins are contained in the tincture. The presence of gua- 
iacum resin can be shown by the potatoe test given above. 

RUTACEJE. 

Rut a. Rue. The leaf of Ruta graveolens, or Common Rue ; Lin. 
Syst., Decandria monogynia: a plant growing throughout 
Europe. (Not officinal.) 

Rutee Oleum. English. Oil of Rue. Distilled from the fresh 
leaves and the unripe fruit of Ruta graveolens or common rue. 

Description. The leaves are supra-decompound, the leaflets 
oblong and ovate, glaucous green, fleshy, and dotted. The oil is 
of a greenish-yellow colour, sp. gr. about 0*837. 

Prop. & Comp. The leaves owe their properties chiefly to the 
volatile oil, which has a strong, disagreeable odour, and acid taste ; 
becomes brown by keeping. The composition of this oil appears 
to be complex ; it is stated to consist chiefly of euodic aldehyde 
(C 22 H 22 2 ), mixed with a small amount of lauric aldehyde (C 24 H 24 
2 ), and a hydrocarbon isomeric with oil of turpentine and bar- 
neol. Rue leaves contain, besides this oil, a hitler extractive matter, 
soluble in water. 

Therapeutics. Rue, or its oil, acts as a powerful topical stimu- 
lant, and has been used in flatulent colic ; it also appears to be an 
antispasdomic and emmenagogue, and seems useful in hysterical 
affections, and in epilepsy ; by some it has been thought anthel- 
mintic. Externally, rue may be used as a rubefacient. Sometimes 
employed in the form of enema. 

Dose. Of the powdered leaves, 20 gr. to 40 gr. ; of oleum 
rutse, 2 min. to 6 min. 



200 MATEKIA MEDICA. 

Bucco. Buchu. [Btichu. Buchu. The leaves of Barosma 
crenata and other species of Barosma. U. S.] The leaves of 
Barosma betulina, Barosma crenulata, and Barosma serratifolia ; 
imported from the Cape of Good Hope. 

Description. The leaves of all three species are smooth, and 
marked with pellucid dots (oil glands) at the indentations and 
apex, and possess a powerful odour and camphoraceous taste. 

The leaf of Barosma betulina is about three quarters of an inch 
long, coriaceous, obovate, with a recurved truncated apex, and 
sharp cartilaginous spreading teeth. 

The leaf of Barosma crenulata, about an inch long ; oval-lanceo- 
late, obtuse, minutely crenated, five-nerved. 

The leaf of Barosma serratifolia, from an inch to an inch and 
a half long, linear-lanceolate, tapering at each end, sharply and 
finely serrated, three-nerved. 

Prop, dc Com.jp. Buchu contains a volatile oil, which gives the 
odour to the leaves, and a bitter extractive matter, soluble in 
water. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Bucco. Infusion of Buchu. (Buchu 
leaves, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 
[Buchu, a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint. U. S.] 

Tinctura Bucco. Tincture of Buchu. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Buchu, bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, 
one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 
■ [Extractum Buchu Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Buchu. IT. S. 
Sixteen fluid ounces of fluid extract are prepared by percolation 
with alcohol and evaporation from sixteen troy ounces of powdered 
Buchu leaves.] 

Therapeutics. Buchu seems to be a slight tonic and stomachic, 
but is used chiefly on account of its action on the urinary organs, 
in chronic catarrh of the bladder, and irritable condition of 
these parts ; it acts, also, as a diuretic, and occasionally as a 
diaphoretic. 

Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 40 gr. ; of infusum buchu, 1 fl. 
oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. [of the fluid 
extract, 1 fl. drm.]. ^ 

Cusparia. Cusparia Bark. [Angustura. IT. S.] The bark of 



CUSPARIA. 201 

Galipea Cusparia, Angustura bark tree ; from tropical South 
America. 

Description. In curved pieces, or quills, several inches in length, 
about an inch or rather more in breadth, and one-eighth of an 
inch thick ; the edges are feathered. Externally it is covered 
with a yellowish grey, uneven epidermis ; internally, light brown, 
and separable into thin layers. It breaks with a resinous fracture ; 
has a rather peculiar odour, and a very bitter, but aromatic taste ; 
the cut surface, examined with a lens, usually exhibits numerous 
white points or minute lines. 

Prop. <& Comp. Cusparia bark contains a trace of volatile oil, 
some resin, and a principle, cusparine, in tetrahedral crystals, 
soluble in alcohol, acids, and alkalies ; composition unknown. 
The infusion of cusparia is precipitated by tannin, so also is 
cusparine. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Cuspaki^. Infusion of Cusparia. (Cus- 
paria bark, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; distilled water at 
120°, ten fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. An aromatic stomachic, and probably has anti- 
periodic properties. Used in atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and 
dysentery, also in convalescence from acute diseases. In South 
America it has been much employed in the treatment of low 
malignant fevers, occurring in marshy districts ; it is not much 
prescribed in England, nor have its powers been fully investi- 
gated. 

Pose. Of the powdered bark, 10 gr. to 40 gr. ; of infusum cus- 
parine, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

Adulteration. The bark of strychnos nux vomica has been 
substituted for true cusparia or angustura bark, and hence named 
false angustura bark ; as this substitution has been the cause of 
fatal accidents, the knowledge of the distinction between the two 
becomes important. The false bark is usually in shorter pieces, 
more irregularly twisted, with little or no odour, and much more 
bitter than the true bark ; it breaks with a shorter and more 
resinous fracture, and is not separable into layers ; the epidermis 
is whitish but spotted red ; nitrie acid turns the inner surface 
blood-red, the epidermis greenish or black ; true cusparia is, bow- 
ever, not reddened by nitric acid, when applied to the inner sur- 



202 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

face. False cusparia bark yields hrucia and strychnia / the true 
bark contains neither of these alkaloids. 

SIMAXttJBACEJE. 

Quassia. Quassia. The wood of Picraena excelsa : [Simaruba 
excelsa. U. S.] Lin. Syst., Polygamia monoecia ; from Jamaica. 
This forms Jamaica quassia. The wood of Quassia amara was 
formerly imported as Surinam quassia, but is not met with at 
present in English commerce. 
Description. Quassia occurs in cylindrical logs or billets of 
varying size, seldom thicker than the thigh ; externally greyish 
brown, internally light yellow. The wood is tough, dense, with- 
out odour, but intensely bitter ; it is generally sold in chips 
or raspings. 

Prop. & Comp. Quassia yields its bitterness to water and 
spirit ; it contains a crystallizable neutral principle, guassine 
(C 20 H l2 6 ), which possesses the bitterness of the wood ; it 
is devoid of tannin or gallic acid. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Quassle. Extract of Quassia. (Pre- 
pared by the maceration of wood in water, percolation, and 
evaporation to proper consistence.) 

Infusum Quassle. Infusion of Quassia. (Quassia in chips, 
sixty grains ; cold distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Tinctura 
Quassias. U. S. Tincture of Quassia. Two pints of tincture are 
obtained by percolating two troy ounces of Quassia in moderately 
fine powder with diluted alcohol.] 

Therapeutics. Quassia acts as a pure bitter stomachic, devoid 
of astringency : used in atonic indigestion, such as occurs in 
gout, from alcoholic abuse and other causes. It is sometimes 
given as a tonic after acute diseases, and has been employed 
as an anti periodic in fevers. It probably acts on the nervous 
system in large doses. 

Dose. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the extract, 2 gr. 
to five gr. ;. of infusum quassiae, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz ; [of the tincture 
2 fl. drm. to 4 fl. drm.] 

Simaruba. (Not officinal.) The bark of the root of Simaruba 
amara, or the Mountain Damson ; Lin. Syst., Dioecia de- 
candria : a plant growing in the West Indies. 



RHA30Q SUCCUS. 203 

Description. It occurs in tough fibrous pieces, several feet in 
length, and folded ; pale in colour, epidermis darker and rough : 
of a very bitter taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Resembles quassia in containing quassine: 
it also contains a little gallic acid and much mucilage. 

Therapeutics. It may be used in the same cases as quassia : 
it gained at one time some repute in the treatment of diarrhoea 
and dysentery. 

Dose. Of the powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr. ; it may also be given 
in the form of an infusion. 

Cedron. (Not officinal.) 

The seeds of Simaba Cedron, a plant belonging to this order, 
have been used as a medicine in France. They are concavo- 
convex in shape, about 1 inch long, f inch broad, and -J- inch 
thick ; of a light yellowish colour ; having an intense bitter taste, 
possibly due to quassine. The seeds have been supposed to be an 
antidote to the poison of serpents : probably they would be found 
to possess very useful tonic and stomachic properties in cases 
similar to those in which quassia and simaruba are administered. 

Sub- Class II. Calyciflor^:. 

RHAMNACEJE. 

Rhamni Succus. (Not officinal.) Buckthorn Juice. The juice 

of the fruit of Rhamnus catharticus ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria 
monogynia ; indigenous. 

Description. The berries, the juice of which was formerly 
officinal, are, when ripe, about the size of a pea, black, smooth, 
and containing four seeds, and a green, juicy parenchyma ; the 
odour of the rhamnus is somewhat nauseous. 

Prop. & Comp. The juice has the same odour and is of the 
same colour as the parenchyma ; it becomes of a bright green 
colour on the addition of lime-water or an alkali ; evaporated 
to dryness with lime-water it forms sap green. It contains 
sugar, mucilage, and a crystallizable principle called rhamnine, 
also a principle possessing purgative properties ; but it is not 
certain whether this is identical with the aforesaid Rhamnine. 



204 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Prep. Syeupus Rhamni. Syrup of Buckthorn. (In London 
Pharmacopoeia, 1851.) (Juice of buckthorn, four pints ; ginger, 
sliced, pimento bruised, each, six drachms ; sugar, six pounds ; 
rectified spirit, six fluid ounces. Set aside the juice for three days 
that the dregs may subside, and strain. To a pint of the strained 
juice add the ginger and pimento, then macerate with a gentle 
heat for four hours, and strain ; boil down the rest of the juice 
to a pint and a half. Mix the liquors and dissolve the sugar in 
them ; lastly, mix in the spirit.) 

Therapeutics. Buckthorn acts as a brisk hydragogue purga- 
tive, but its operation is often attended with griping and nausea ; 
formerly it was much employed in dropsical affections, gout and 
rheumatism, but its use is now almost abandoned, except in the 
form of the syrup, which is sometimes given to children ; it is 
however more frequently prescribed as a domestic remedy than 
by the medical practitioner. 

Dose. Of syrupus rhamni, i fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. ; for a young child 
J fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. or 2 fl. drm. 

TEHEBINTHACEJE. 

Terebinthina Chia. Chian Turpentine. (Not officinal.) An 
oleo-resin flowing from the incised trunk of the Pistacia ter- 
ebinthus ; Lin. Syst., Dioecia pentandria. The tree from which 
this oleo-resin is obtained grows chiefly in the island of Chios. 

Description. This substance is about the consistence of honey, 
and is semi-transparent, of a white or pale yellow colour, having 
a fragrant odour and warm taste. 

Prop. & Comp. It consists of resin dissolved in a volatile 
oil resembling that of turpentine. 

Therapeutics. Its action is the same as that of the other tur- 
pentines ; vide Terebinthina Americana. 

BXastiche. Mastich. A resinous exudation flowing from the 
stem of Pistacia Lentiscus, native of the countries bordering 
on the Mediterranean ; chiefly imported from Turkey and the 
Levant. 



MYEEHA. 205 

Description. In its best condition it occurs in small masses 
called tears, which are of light yellow colour, friable, becoming 
soft and ductile when chewed ; the fracture vitreous, shining, 
and transparent ; the surface of the tears is often covered with 
a whitish dust, produced by the rubbing together of several 
pieces. The larger masses are less pure than the small ; they 
are formed by the agglutination of several tears, and often mixed 
with bark and earthy matter. It has a faint agreeable odour. 

Prop. & Comp. It is wholly soluble in ether and chloroform 
but scarcely at all so in the fixed oils ; it contains a small quantity 
of volatile oil ; alcohol dissolves about four-fifths of it, and the 
remainder, which is soluble in ether, has been called Masticine 
(C 40 H 31 2 ). » 

Therapeutics. The action is the same as that of the resin of 
turpentine ; it is but little used. From its agreeable odour, 
which it communicates to the breath, it is sometimes employed 
as a masticatory. Dissolved in chloroform or ether, it is often 
used for stopping carious teeth. 

Dose. 20 gr. to 40 gr. 

Myrrha. Myrrh. A gum-resin exuding from the bark of Bal- 
samodendron Myrrha; Lin. Syst., Octandria monogynia. It 
is obtained from Arabia Felix and Abyssinia. 

Description. It occurs in irregular fragments, varying in 
size ; of a reddish-brown or reddish-yellow colour ; translucent, 
but the surface often covered with powder ; fractured surface 
irregular and somewhat oily ; of a peculiar aromatic odour, and 
pungent warm acrid bitter taste. The inferior variety is in much 
larger masses than the pure, darker coloured, less transparent, 
and containing earthy and other impurities. The latter variety 
is also known as Indian myrrh, from its being imported into 
England from that country. The best of Turkey myrrh comes 
by way of Egypt and the Levant. 

Prop. & Comp. It contains a volatile oil, gum, resin, salts, 
&c. The resin is bitter, soluble in alcohol, but partly only in 
ether. With water, myrrh forms an emulsion of a milky-white 
colour, from the suspension of the resin by the gum which is held 
in solution. 



206 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Off. Prep. Pilula Aloes et Myrrhs. Pill of Aloes and 
Myrrh. (Socotrine aloes, two ounces ; myrrh, one ounce ; saffron, 
dried, half an ounce ; confection of roses, two ounces and a half.) 
[In the U. S. P. syrup a sufficient quantity is directed instead of 
confection of roses, and the mass is divided into four hundred and 
eighty pills, each pill containing two grains of aloes.] 

Tinctura Myrrhs. Tincture of Myrrh. (Myrrh in coarse 
powder, two ounces and a half; rectified spirit, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [According 
to the U. S. P. two pints of tincture are prepared by percolation 
with alcohol from three troy ounces of myrrh.] 

Myrrh is also contained in Mist. Ferri C. ; Pil. Assafcetidae C. ; 
Pil. Rhei C. ; and Decoct. Aloes C. 

Therapeutics. Myrrh acts as a stimulant in a manner not 
unlike other resinous substances ; it increases the secretion of 
the mucous membranes, especially of the bronchial tubes, and 
is supposed to possess antispasmodic and emmenagogue properties, 
combined with tonic powers. 

Myrrh is frequently administered in conjunction with iron and 
aloetic preparations in amenorrhea ; also in leucorrheal and 
other mucous discharges connected with debility : sometimes as 
an expectorant in chronic bronchitis and phthisis. Externally, 
as a topical stimulant, it is applied to aphthous sore mouths, spongy 
gums, &c. 

Dose. Of myrrh, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of tinct. myrrhae, \ fl. drm. 
to 1 fl. drm. Of pil. aloes c. myrrha, 5 gr. to 15 gr. The tinc- 
ture is more frequently used externally, mixed with water (2 fl. 
drm. to 4 fl. oz.), to form a gargle. 

Adulteration. Gum bdellium and other gum resins are occa- 
sionally met with in samples of myrrh, and an inferior kind is 
often substituted for good myrrh. 

Rhus Toxicodendron. The leaves of the Rhus Toxicodendron 
(the poison sumach) ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria trigynia : not 
now officinal in the British, but is contained in the United 
States' Pharmacopoeia. 

Description. The leaves are trifoliate, leaflets entire, or rarely 
toothed ; ovate, deep shining green on the upper surface, hairy on 
the under. 



ELEMT. 207 

Prop. (& Comp. The leaves contain a peculiar acrid resin, 
and gummy extractive. It is on the presence of the former sub- 
stance that the properties of the plant depend. 

Prep. For topical application a tincture of the leaves is 
made. 

Therapeutics. It is chiefly used as a topical irritant. The 
juice of the leaves causes inflammation and vesication of the part 
to which it is applied. Internally administered, it is supposed to 
act on the spinal system in a manner similar to strychnia ; in large 
doses it causes inflammation, &c, of the stomach. It has been re- 
commended in palsy, but further investigations as to its efficacy 
are required. 

Dose. Of the powder, \ gr. to 1 gr., gradually increased. 

Olibanum. Gum resin from the Boswellia serrata ; Lin. Syst., 
Decandria monogynia. This resin is not officinal. 

Description. It occurs in small oblong tears, of a peculiar 
balsamic odour. 

Prop. <& Comp. It burns with an aromatic odour, and con- 
tains a volatile oil, resin, and gum. 

Therapeutics. It is stimulant, like the other gum resins, but is 
chiefly used for burning as an incense in Roman Catholic countries. 

Elemi. Elemi. A concrete resinous exudation from an uncertain 
plant, probably Canarium Commune. Chiefly imported from 
Manilla. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Description. It occurs in masses of various sizes, usually of a 
soft consistence, more or less transparent, of a yellowish colour, 
with a peculiar fennel-like odour, and a bitter aromatic taste. 

Prop. & Comp. The odour is due to the presence of volatile 
oilj the resin is soluble in alcohol. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Elemi. Ointment of Elemi. (Elemi, 
quarter of an ounce ; simple ointment, one ounce.) 

Therapeutics. Action as the turpentines generally ; chiefly 
used externally, in the form of ointment, as a topical stimulant. 

Dose. Not given internally. 



208 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

LEGTJMXNOSiE. 

Papilionace^e. 

Glycyrrhiza. Liquorice root. The recent and dried root or 
underground stem of Glycyrrhiza glabra ; Lin. Syst., Diadel- 
phia decandria : cultivated in England ; the fresh root should 
be kept in dry sand. 

Description. In cylindrical branched pieces, brown on the sur- 
face and yellow within, about the size of the little finger ; tough 
and pliable ; sweet and mucilaginous to the taste. 

Prop. <& Com}?. Contains a peculiar sweet brownish sub- 
stance, glycyrrhizine (C 48 H 3f5 18 ) ; not fermentable nor crystal- 
line ; soluble in water and spirit ; when boiled with hydrochloric 
acid, it is resolved into a resinous matter and glucose. Liquorice 
also contains asparagine, gum, mucilage, &c. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Glycyrrhiza. Extract of Liquorice. 
(Obtained by maceration and percolation of liquorice root with 
water and subsequent evaporation to a proper consistence.) 

Powdered liquorice root is contained in some pills, and other 
officinal preparations ; and the extract in compound decoction of 
aloes and the confection of senna,. &c. 

Therapeutics. A sweet demulcent, useful in allaying cough, to 
sheathe the mucous membranes, &c, but more frequently employed 
on account of its sweetness to cover the taste of other medicines. 

Dose. Of the extract, 10 gr. to 30 gr., rubbed up with 
water, &c. 

Tragacantha. Tragacanth. The gummy juice (hardened in the 
air) exuding from the bark of Astragalus verus, the Milk 
Vetch, and possibly other species ; Lin. Syst., Diadelphia 
decandria : collected in Asia Minor. 

Description. In semi-transparent flakes, waved concentrically, 
rough, and difficult to powder, without odour or taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Forms with water a very thick tenacious 
mucilage, and contains two distinct gums : Ardbine, like that 
contained in gum Arabic, &c, about 53 per cent. ; and Bassorine, 



SCOPAEIUS. 209 

a gum not soluble in water, and, therefore, suspended only in the 
mucilage, about 47 per cent. ; by the action of alkalies, it is rend- 
ered soluble in water and converted into true gum ; the prolonged 
^action of boiling water produces a similar change in the nature 
of bassorine. Nitric acid converts it into mucic and oxalic acids. 

Off. Prep. Mucilago Tkagacanth^e. Mucilage of Traga- 
canth. (Tragacanth, one hundred grains ; boiling distilled water, 
ten fluid ounces.) 

Pulyis Tragacanth^: Compositus. Compound Tragacanth 
Powder. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Powdered tragacanth, 
powdered acacia, starch, each, one ounce ; refined powdered sugar, 
three ounces.) 

Tlierapeutics. Simply demulcent, used as gum Arabic ; the 
mucilage is usefully employed to suspend heavy powders, as nitrate 
of bismuth, <fcc. 

Dose. Of the powder, or of pulv. tragacanthae c, 20 gr., 
upwards ; of the mucilage, 1 fl. oz. upwards. 

Mucuna. Cowhage. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in IT. S. P.] The 
hairs of the fruit of Mucuna pruriens, Cowhage plant ; Lin. 
Syst., Diadelphia decandria: growing in the West Indies. 

Description. The legume or pod is shaped like the italic letter 

f, about 4 inches long and J inch brOad, coriaceous, and covered 

with numerous stiff, brown, stinging hairs, which have serrations 

near their points ; these are removed, and employed in medicine. 

Therapeutics. Cowhage has been used as an anthelmintic, and 
is supposed to act by its mechanical peculiarities, irritating the 
entozoa and thus causing expulsion. The watery or alcoholic 
solutions of mucuna do not possess the same powers. 

Dose. Of an electuary of the hairs made with syrup, honey, 
or treacle, from a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful, or more, fol- 
lowed after a short time by the administration of some purgative. 

Scoparius. Broom tops. The fresh and dried tops of Saro- 
thamnus Scoparius (Spartium Scoparium), or Common Broom ; 
[Cytisus Scoparius. U.S.] Lin. Syst., Diadelphia decandria: 
indigenous, and growing throughout Europe. 

Prop. & Comp. The tops, when fresh, have a peculiar odour, 
which is lost in drying ; the taste is bitter ; they contain a neutral 
15 



210 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

principle, Scqparine (C 20 H„ O 10 ), which forms yellow crystals ; 
also a liquid alkaloid, Sparteine (C 16 H 13 N) ; of a pale colour 
when fresh, but becoming brown on exposure ; forming crystalline 
salts with bichloride of platinum and corrosive sublimate ; besides 
which, extractive matters and salts are found in the tops. 

Of. Prep. Decoctum Scoparii. Decoction of Broom. [Not 
officinal in IT. S. P.] (Broom tops, dried, half an ounce ; distilled 
water, ten fluid ounces ; reduced to eight ounces by boiling.) 

Succus Scoparii. Juice of Broom. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
(Expressed juice of fresh broom tops, three fluid parts ; rectified 
spirit, one fluid part.) 

Therapeutics. Broom tops have long been reputed diuretic ; 
probably this action depends on the presence of one of the prin- 
ciples above noticed ; the alkaline salts contained in the tops are 
sufficient to account for their activity, which in some cases is un- 
doubted. Broom tops are especially useful in dropsies, depending 
on cardiac disease. In large doses they cause vomiting and 
purging. 

Dose. Of decoctum scoparii, 1 fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz. Of succus 
scoparii, 1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz. 

Pterocarpus. Red Sandal Wood. [Santalum. Red Saunders. 
IT. S.] The wood of Pterocarpus santalinus, Red Saunder's 
Wood ; Lin. Syst., Diadelphia decandria : growing in Coro- 
mandel and Ceylon. 

Description. Sandal wood occurs in billets, which are dense, 
externally of a dark brown colour, internally, if cut transversely, 
hard-grained, variegated with dark and lighter red rings. The 
powder is blood-red, of a faint peculiar odour, with an obscurely 
astringent taste. The wood occurs also in chips. 

Prop. & Comp. Sandal wood contains a principle called 
Santalin, crystalline and reddening in the air. The colour of the 
wood is extracted by alcohol and ether, and also by alkaline 
solutions. 

Off. Prep. It gives colour to tinct. lavandulae comp. 

Uses. No therapeutic action j used only as a colouring agent. 

Kino. Kino. The juice (hardened in the sun) flowing from the 



KINO. 211 

incised bark of Pterocarpus marsupium, or Indian Kino Tree ; 
Lin. Syst., Diadelphia decandria : growing near the Malabar 
Coast. Other varieties of Kino are met with, as African Kino, 
from Pterocarpus erinaceus ; Botany Bay Kino, from Eucalyptus 
resinifera, &c. 

Description. In small angular pieces, broken . reddish-black 
tears, translucent, and ruby-red at the edges, shining, and brittle. 
The powder of kino is dark red, it has no odour, the taste is 
astringent, and when chewed it tinges the saliva blood-red. 

Prop. <& Comp. Kino contains a species of tannin called mi- 
motannic acid, and another astringent principle, found also in 
catechu, called Catechin (HO, C 20 H 9 8 ), together with red 
gummy matter* &c. (See Catechu.) 

Of. Prep. Pulvis Kino cum Opio. Powder of Kino and 
Opium. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Synonym. Pulvis Kino 
Compositus. Lond. (Kino in powder, three ounces and three 
quarters ; opium in powder, a quarter of an ounce ; cinnamon in 
powder, one ounce.) 

One grain of opium is contained in twenty grains of the 
powder. 

Tinctuka Kino. Tincture of Kino. (Powdered kino, two 
ounces ; rectified spirit, one pint ; prepared by maceration. 
[Kino, in fine powder, three hundred and sixty grains. Half a 
pint of tincture is obtained by percolation with two measures of 
alcohol and one of water. U. S.] If made with proof spirit, it is apt 
to gelatinize after a time. Kino is also contained in pulvis catechu 
compositus, one grain in five of the powder. 

Therapeutics. A powerful astringent, may be given where 
tannin is indicated : it is less soluble than catechu ; often em- 
ployed in pyrosis and diarrhoea, and as a gargle in relaxed throat. 
Sometimes it is chewed, and the soluble portion is thus brought 
into contact with the relaxed parts. 

Dose. Of powdered kino, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of pulvis 
kino cum opio, 5 gr. upwards, the dose depending more on the 
opium than the kino. Of tinctura kino, i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Balsamum Peruvianum. Peru Balsam. The balsam flowing 
from the incised trunk of Myrospermum Pereirae [The prepared 



212 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

juice of Myrospermum Peruiferum. U. S.] ; obtained from 
Salvador in Guatemala. 

Description. A thick, viscid, almost opaque, substance, like 
treacle, but when in thin layers, dark red in colour, and trans- 
lucent ; of a fragrant peculiar odour, with an acrid but aromatic 
taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Peru Balsam is of sp. gr. 1*15 ; is soluble in 
five parts of rectified spirit, and undergoes no diminution in vol- 
ume when mixed with water. It contains styracine or meta- 
cinnamene (C 36 H 16 4 ), a crystallizable solid, which is decomposed 
by alkali into cinnamic acid (HO, C 18 H 7 9 ), and Styrone or Peru- 
vine (HO, C 18 H 9 4 ). Balsam of Peru also contains two resins, 
hydrates of styracine, their formulae beiug (HO, C 36 H 16 6 ) and 
(4 HO, C 36 H 16 6 ). The decomposition of the styracine by the 
action of potash may be thus represented : — 

Styracine. Potash. Cinnamate of Potash. Styrone. 

(C 36 H 16 4 ) + (HO, KO) = (KO, C 13 H 7 3 )+ (HO, C 18 H 9 0.) 
Styrone being a species of alcohol termed cinnamic alcohol. The 
amount of resin increases with age, and about six or seven per 
cent, of cinnamic acid is always present ; this was formerly 
thought to be benzoic acid. 

Therapeutics. A stimulant and expectorant, chiefly used in 
chronic bronchitis and rheumatism. It acts also on the mucous 
membranes, and may be used to restrain excessive discharges, as 
gleets, leucorrhcea, &c. Externally, it also acts as a stimulant ; 
useful in bed sores and unhealthy ulcers. 

Dose. 10 min. to J fl. drm., and upwards, made into an emul- 
sion with mucilage, or yolk of egg. 

Balsamum Tolutanum. Tolu Balsam. The balsam (indurated) 
flowing from the incised trunk of Myrospermum toluiferum, 
or Balsam of Tolu Tree ; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia : 
growing in Central America, Carthagena, mountains of 
Tolu, &c. 

Description. A reddish-yellow substance, not unlike resin ; 
soft when first imported, becoming hard by age ; more or less 
transparent. Odour and taste the same as balsam of Peru, but 
less powerful. 



CALABAR BEAN. 213 

Prop. & Comp. Softens by heat, becomes brittle in the cold ; 
is soluble in alcohol, ether, and in rectified spirit ; yields cinnamic 
acid to water ; it is similar .in preparation to balsam of Peru, 
containing styracine or meta-cinnamene, cinnamic acid and 
resin. 

Off. Prep. Syrupus Tolutanus. Syrup of Tolu. (Balsam 
of Tolu, one ounce and a quarter ; distilled water, one pint, or 
a sufficiency ; sugar, two pounds. Boil the balsam in the water 
for half an hour in a covered vessel, frequently stirring, remove 
from the fire and add distilled water, so that the liquid shall 
measure sixteen ounces, and strain the liquor when cold • then 
add the sugar, and dissolve it). The product should weigh three 
pounds, and should have the specific gravity of 1*33- [Tincture 
of Tolu, two fluid ounces ; carbonate of magnesia, one hundred 
and twenty grains ; sugar, in coarse powder, twenty-six troy 
ounces ; water, a pint. Rub the tincture of Tolu first with the 
carbonate of magnesia and two troy ounces of the sugar, 
then with the water, gradually added, and filter. To the filtered 
liquid, add the remainder of the sugar, and having dissolved it 
with the aid of a gentle heat, strain while hot . U. S.] 

Tinctura Tolutana. Tincture of Tolu. (Balsam of Tolu, two 
ounces and a half; rectified spirit, one pint. Prepared by macer- 
ation.) [Balsam of Tolu, three troy ounces ; alcohol, two pints. 
U.S.] 

Balsam of Tolu is contained also in tinct. benzoini comp. 

Therapeutics. Exactly the same as the balsam of Peru. 

Dose. Of the balsam, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. 
to 3 fl. drm. ; of the tincture, -J fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. 

Calabar Bean. (Not officinal.) The seed or bean of Physostigma 
venenosum. 

Description. The beans have a shining integument of a brown 
coffee colour, about an inch in length, and half an inch in thick- 
ness, reniform in shape, with a shorter or concave and a longer or 
convex margin, and on the convex edge is a furrow with elevated 
ridges, pierced by a foramen at one extremity. The kernel con- 
sists of two large concavo-convex cotyledons of a white colour. 

Prop. & Comp. The active principle is contained to the great- 



214 MATERIA MEDICA. 

est extent in the kernel, and may be extracted by alcohol. Re- 
cently it has been stated to have been separated, but not in a crys- 
talline form. 

Therapeutics. Administered internally, it has a sedative action 
upon the spinal cord, producing paralysis of the lower extremities 
and death by asphyxia, or if in large doses death by paralysis of 
the heart, consciousness being retained throughout. It is almost 
entirely used as a topical application to the eye, to induce con- 
traction of the pupil and diminish presbyopia. It produces at first 
myopia in the healthy eye, and afterwards contraction of the pupil. 

Dose. Internally, from 1 gr. of the powder may be given, 
gradually increased ; a drop or so of the solution of an alcoholic 
extract dissolved in water or glycerine may be applied to the eye 
to cause contraction of the pupil. 

Cisalpine. 
Hsematoxylum. Logwood. The wood of Hsematoxylum cam- 
pechianum ; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia : a native of 
Campeachy ; grows in the West India Islands and in India. 

Description. It occurs in billets, consisting of the heart wood 
only, which is heavier than water, of a dark red colour ; little 
odour, but of a very astringent taste. It is cut into chips, which 
have a feeble agreeable odour, and a sweetish taste ; a small por- 
tion chewed imparts to the saliva a dark pink colour. 

Prop. & Corwp. Water and alcohol dissolve the colouring and 
astringent principles : the solutions are deepened in colour by al- 
kalies, and rendered rather turbid by acids. It contains hcema- 
toxyline (C 32 H 14 12 + 2 HO or 6 HO) crystallizing in reddish yel- 
low four-sided needles, with six equivalents of water, or granular 
crystals with two equivalents ; soluble in alcohol and ether, but 
sparingly so in water. There are also present tannin, resin, and 
the ordinary constituents of wood. Haematoxyline is occasionally 
found crystallized in the crevices of the wood. 

Off. Prep. Decqctum HtEmatoxyli. Decoction of Logwood. 
(Logwood in chips, one ounce ; cinnamon in powder, sixty grains ; 
distilled water, one pint. Reduced by boiling to sixteen fluid 
ounces.) [Logwood rasped, a troy ounce ; boil with a pint of 
water for fifteen minutes, strain, and add sufficient water through 
the strainer to make the decoction measure a pint. U. S.] 



SEinSTA 1NDICA. 215 

Extractum ELematoxyli. Extract of Logwood. (Logwood 
chips, one pound ; boiling distilled water, one gallon. Prepared 
by maceration and evaporation to a proper consistence.) 

Therapeutics. Logwood is chiefly employed as an astringent in 
affections of the alimentary canal, as diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, 
and some forms of atonic dyspepsia : it is often given to children. 
The urine of patients taking logwood exhibits a pink colour when 
that fluid becomes alkaline from any cause ; in strongly acid urine 
the colour may not be seen, but the addition of ammonia readily 
produces the coloration. 

Dose. Of decoctum hsematoxyli, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. j of extrac- 
tum hsematoxyli, 10 gr. to 30 gr. 

Senna Alexandrina. Alexandrian Senna. The leaf of Cassia 
lanceolata and Cassia obovata. 

Senna Indica. Tinnevelly Senna. The leaf of Cassia elongata ; 
Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia : growing chiefly in Southern 
India. [Senna, Senna. The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia of 
Cassia obovata and of Cassia elongata. IT. S.] 

Description. There has been some considerable difficulty -and 
confusion about the plants yielding senna, arising from different 
plants having been called by the same name, and different names 
given to the same plant. Dr. Royle thinks that the species, cassia 
officinalis, may include the varieties, C elongata, C. lanceolata, 
and C. acutifolia ; besides which there are other species, cassia 
obovata, cassia ovata, and cassia Eorskalii. The leaflets of the 
three varieties of senna are of a greenish colour, with a faint 
peculiar odour and sweetish taste ; they are all unequally oblique 
at the base. The leaves of Cassia lanceolata are lanceolate, about 
an inch in length ; those of Cassia obovata, rather shorter and 
obovate ; those of Elongata (Tinnevelly) about 2 inches long, lan- 
ceolate and acute. 

Alexandrian senna usually consists of leaflets of cassia offici- 
nalis (var. lanceolata), and of cassia obovata, with pods and broken 
leaf-stalks ; together with the leaves of cynanchum arghel, and 
sometimes, but not in English commerce, with those of colatea 
arborescens, and coriaria myrtifolia. Alexandrian senna has been 
stated to have about the following proportions of ingredients : 



216 MATERIA MEDICA. 

five parts of the leaflets of cassia officinalis (var. lanceolata), three 
parts of cassia obovata, and two parts of cynanchum arghel. As 
now sold, it is usually picked and the arghel separated ; it should 
be carefully freed from the flowers, and pods, and leaf-stalks, and 
from the leaves, flowers, and fruit of solenostemna {Cynanchum) 
arghel. 

Cynanchum arghel leaves are distinguished by being about one 
inch long, equal at the base, no lateral nerves on the under sur- 
face : pale in colour, thick and coriaceous in consistence. This 
addition to senna is important as the arghel is supposed to gripe 
and nauseate. 

The leaflets of colatea arborescens, or bladder senna, are ovate, 
and equal at the base ; and those of coriaria myrtifoUa have a 
strongly marked lateral nerve on each side of the mid-rib. 

The leaflets of tephrosia apollinea, distinguished by having 
parallel transverse veins, and being silky on the under surface, 
have sometimes been met witli in Alexandrian senna. 

Indian senna may be divided into Tinnevelly senna and the 
ordinary East India variety : the former is by far the finest, the 
leaflets being large and thin, from one to two inches in length, of 
a greenish colour, and generally entire ; unequally oblique at the 
base ; this variety only is officinal ; in the latter, the leaflets are 
smaller, browner in colour, and many of them broken : stalks and 
pods are also frequently met with. All the Indian sennas are ob- 
tained from one variety of cassia officinalis, viz., C. elongata. 

Another variety of commercial senna is called Tripoli senna : 
when good, it consists chiefly of leaflets of C. JEthiopica, a variety 
of cassia ovata, mixed with cassia obovata. 

jProp. dk Comjp. Senna has a faint odour and nauseous taste ; 
it imparts its virtues to water, either hot or cold ; also to alco- 
hol : it contains Cathartine, which can only be separated as a yel- 
lowish-red deliquescent substance, not crystallizable, with a trace 
of volatile oil, and the ordinary constituents of leaves. The 
cathartine is stated by some not to be the active principle. 

Off. Prep. Confectio Senn,e. Confection of Senna. (Senna, 
in fine powder, seven ounces ; coriander, in fine powder, three 
ounces ; figs, twelve ounces ; tamarinds, nine ounces ; cassia pulp, 
nine ounces ; prunes, six ounces ; extract of liquorice, three 



SYRUPUS SENlSr^E. 217 

quarters of an ounce ; refined sugar, thirty ounces ; distilled 
water, twenty-four fluid ounces.) 

Infusum Senjle. Infusion of Senna. (Senna, half an ounce ; 
ginger, sliced, thirty grains ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid 
ounces. [Senna, a troy ounce ; coriander, bruised, sixty grains ; 
boiling water, a pint. U. S.] Macerate for an hour in a closed 
vessel, and strain.) 

Tinctura Senn.e. Tincture of Senna. (Senna, broken small, 
two ounces and a half ; raisins free from seeds, two ounces ; cara- 
way and coriander, each half an ounce ; proof spirit, one pint.) 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

Syrupus Senn^e. Syrup of Senna. (Senna, broken small, six- 
teen ounces ; oil of coriander, three minims ; refined sugar, twenty- 
four ounces ; distilled water, five pints, or a sufficiency ; rectified 
spirit, two fluid ounces. Digest the senna in seventy ounces of the 
water for twenty-four hours ; press and strain. Digest the mass 
in thirty ounces of the water for six hours ; press and strain. 
Evaporate the mixed liquors to ten fluid ounces ; and when cold 
add the rectified spirit, previously mixed with the oil of coriander. 
Clarify by filtration, and wash what remains on the filter with 
distilled water, until the washings make up the filtrate to sixteen 
fluid ounces ; then add the sugar, and dissolve by means of a gen- 
tle heat.) The product should weigh ten ounces, and should have 
the sp. gr. 1*31. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

[Extractum Sennae Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Senna. U. S. 
A pint of fluid extract is obtained from sixteen troy ounces of 
senna, by percolation with diluted alcohol, evaporation and the 
addition of eight troy ounces of sugar.] 

Therapeutics. Senna is a rather brisk purgative, increasing 
considerably the peristaltic action, and also to some extent the 
liquid flow from the intestines ; it appears to act chiefly on the 
small intestines, and less on the colon and rectum than aloes ; 
sometimes nausea and griping are produced if the drug is given 
alone ; it is generally combined with salines, as Epsom salts, or 
tartrate of potash, and some aromatic ; such combination forms 
the " black draught." Senna is given when constipation is present 
in dyspepsia, and in almost all febrile and inflammatory diseases ; 



218 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

as it is somewhat drastic, it should not be given when the alimen- 
tary canal is much affected. 

Dose. Of the powdered leaf, 30 gr. to 120 gr. (a bad form). 
Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to | 
fl. oz. ; of the confection, from a tea-spoonful upwards ; of the 
syrup, 1 fl. drm. upwards (generally given to infants). The 
present syrup is an effectual preparation. 

For the Adulterations of Senna, see Description. 

Cassia. Cassia Pulp. [Cassia Fistula. Purging Cassia. U. S.] 
The pulp of the pods of Cassia fistula ; Pudding Pipe Tree, or 
Purging Cassia ; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia ; from the 
East Indies, or recently extracted from pods imported from 
the East or West Indies. 

Description. The fruit is a cylindrical pod or legume, from 1 
to 2 feet long, about the size of the thumb, having three bands 
extending the whole length, divided internally into numerous 
cells, spurious dissepiments, each containing a seed, surrounded by 
a blackish soft pulp, which is the part made use of in medicine. 
The heavier the pod, the more pulp it contains. 

Prop. & Comp. The pulp has a sweetish, rather disagreeable, 
taste ; is of a blackish brown colour, usually containing the seeds 
and dissepiments ; and contains besides sugar, pectin, mucilage, 
and some principle probably similar to that found in senna. 

Cassia is contained in Confectio Sennas. 

Therapeutics. A slight laxative, apt to give rise to disturbance 
of the bowels, producing flatulence ; seldom given alone. 

Dose. Of the prepared pulp, 120 gr. upwards. 

Tamarindus. Tamarind. The pulp of the fruit of Tamarindus 
indica or Tamarind Tree ; [The preserved fruit of Tamarindus 
Indica. IT. S.] Lin. Syst., Monodelphia triandria; growing 
in the East and West Indies. The East Indian pod is larger 
than that from the West Indies : at present it chiefly comes 
from the West Indies. 
Description. The pods are about 4 or 5 inches long, and J inch 
broad, flattened and curved; internally divided into cells con- 
taining oval seeds, surrounded by the pulp, which is soft, of a 
brownish-red colour, and sweet acidulous taste and contains strong 



COPAIB^E OLEUM. 219 

fibres ; the seeds are brown and shining, and enclosed in mem- 
branous coats. 

Prop. & Comp. It contains sugar, pectin, free citric and tar- 
taric acids, bitartrate of potash, &c. A piece of bright iron left 
in contact with the pulp for an hour, should not exhibit any 
deposit of copper. 

Off. Prep. Tamarinds are contained in Confectio Sennas. 

Therapeutics. Tamarinds act as a very slight laxative, besides 
which they are refrigerant from the acids they contain, and useful, 
when infused, as a cooling drink, in febrile affections. 

Dose. ^ oz. upwards. A whey may be made by boiling the 
pulp with milk. 

Copaiba. Copaiva ; Balsam of Copaiva. An oleo-resin flowing 
from the incised trunk of Copaifera multijuga and other species ; 
the varieties of Copaiva Tree; Lin. Syst., Decandria mono- 
gynia : growing in the West Indies and tropical parts of 
America, and obtained chiefly from the province of Para in 
Brazil. 

Copaibse Oleum. Oil of Copaiva. Oil distilled from the oleo- 
resin. 

Description. The oleo-resin is a transparent liquid, about the 
consistence of thick oil, of a yellow colour, characteristic odour, 
and slightly acrid, nauseous, terebinthinate taste. The Brazilian 
variety, which is chiefly met with, is much paler than the West 
Indian. The volatile oil is a colourless liquid, with the odour 
and taste of copaiva. 

Prop. <& Comp. Copaiva consists of about 45 per cent, of 
resin, and 34 per cent, of the volatile oil, but the proportions vary 
with age and exposure ; its sp. gr. is about 0*95 ; the resin, 
copaivic acid (C 40 H 30 4 ), resembles closely common resin or 
pinic acid, and is crystalline. The volatile oil (C 20 H 16 ), except in 
odour and taste, is closely allied to oil of turpentine. Besides 
these principles, about l£ or 2 per cent, of a soft brown or resinous 
matter is contained in copaiva, the nature of which is unknown ; 
it seems to increase in amount as the copaiva becomes old. 

The oleo-resin is perfectly soluble in rectified spirit. It dis- 
solves one-fourth of its weight of carbonate of magnesia by the 
aid of heat, and remains transparent. 



220 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

[Pilule Copaibas. Pills of Copaiba. U. S. Two troy ounces 
of copaiba are mixed with sixty grains of magnesia ; when the mass 
has concreted, it is divided into two hundred pills.] 

Therapeutics, Copaiva acts as a stimulant like other tere- 
binthinate drugs ; its influence is more particularly directed to the 
mucous membranes, especially that of the genito-urinary organs ; 
when taken into the stomach it becomes absorbed, and can be 
detected both in the breath and urine by the peculiarity of its 
odour ; from the latter fluid it may be separated by ether. It is 
used with much success in affections of the urethra and bladder? 
as gonorrhea and gleet, but may also be given advantageously in 
chronic bronchitis, accompanied by excessive secretion of mucus, 
and in diseased conditions of the mucous membrane of the rectum ; 
it should be avoided in febrile states of the system, as it acts also 
as a general stimulant. In large doses it occasionally gives rise 
to a papular eruption on the skin. The action of the volatile oil 
resembles that of the balsam itself. 

Dose. Of copaiba, 15 min. to ^ fl. drm. or more ; of oleum 
copaibae, 10 min. to -| fl. drm. Copaiva may be taken rubbed up 
with the yolk of egg, or floating upon water or some other liquid, 
or made into pills with burnt magnesia ; or, lastly, dissolved 
in water by the aid of liquor potassse, with which it forms a soap. 
Sometimes to hide its disagreeable taste it is put into membran- 
ous or gelatinous capsules. 

Adulteration. Turpentine and fixed oils may be mixed with 
copaiva : if a little of the suspected drug is heated on paper, 
turpentine can be detected by the odour, and all fixed oils by a 
greasy ring surrounding the resinous stain which pure copaiva 
leaves. Its power of dissolving carbonate of magnesia may be 
also used as a test. 

Mimosje. 

Acacia. Gum Arabica. Acacia gum, exuding from the bark of 

one or more undetermined species of Acacia, and hardened in 

the air ; collected chiefly in Condofan in Eastern Africa, and 

imported from Alexandria. 

Description. Gum is usually a natural exudation from the 

tree, sometimes incisions are made to favour its flow ; it occurs 



CATECHU PALLIDUM. 221 

in small rounded tears of different sizes, almost white and opaque 
from innumerable fissures on the surface ; brittle, devoid of odour, 
and with a mucilaginous taste. Varieties of gum, as Senegal and 
Barbary gum, in larger tears, more coloured, and less pure, are 
found in commerce ; the produce of different Acacias, as A. Sene- 
gal and A. gummifera. 

Prop. & Comp. Gum is entirely soluble in water if pure, 
forming a mucilage ; it contains usually about 17 per cent, of 
water, and leaves on incineration 3 per cent, of ash : the solu- 
tion forms an opaque white jelly with subacetate of lead. The 
principal ingredient of gum, is arabine, (C 12 H n O u .) Arabine is 
converted by the action of nitric acid into mucic acid, but is not 
convertible into sugar. The powder does not become blue on 
the addition of iodine. 

Off. Prep. Mucilago Acacle. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. 
(Gum arabic, in small pieces, four ounces ; distilled water, six 
fluid ounces.) 

Gum is contained also in pulv. tragacanth. c. and other offi- 
cinal preparations. 

Therapeutics. Gum acts simply as a demulcent, and is some- 
times employed to allay irritation of the mucous membranes, 
as of the fauces, pharynx, and stomach ; it is, however, more 
frequently used for the purpose of suspending heavy powders, 
as nitrate of bismuth, oxide of zinc, &c, when administered in 
the liquid form ; also to unite substances into the form of lozenges. 
Gum has been used also in diabetes mellitus, as a substitute for 
amylaceous matters, as it is not converted into sugar, but its 
use does not appear to be attended with any real benefit ; whether 
it passes into the urine unchanged is not known ; it is, however, 
often used in irritation of the bladder and urethra. 

Dose. Gum may be given ad libitum ; the author has given 
\ lb. per diem in diabetes, without any perceptible symptom 
being produced. 

Catechu Nigrum. Black Catechu. An extract from the wood 
of Acacia Catechu ; Lin. Syst., Polygamia moncecia ; imported 
from Pegu. 

Catechu Pallidum. Pale Catechu. An extract from the leaf 
of Uncaria gambir ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia, belonging 



222 MATERIA MEJJ1CA. 

to the natural order Cinchonaceae ; prepared at Singapore, and 
in the islands of the Eastern Archipelago. [Catechu. Catechu. 
An extract prepared principally from the wood of Acacia 
Catechu. U. S.] 

Description. The dark catechu, produced by the acacia catechu 
occurs in irregular-shaped masses, consisting of layers enveloped 
in rough leaves, hard, yet brittle ; of a blackish-red colour and 
shining surface, with a very astringent and bitter taste, followed 
by an impression of sweetness. The pale catechu occurs in cubical 
pieces about an inch in diameter, which are porous in texture ; 
externally of a reddish-brown colour, internally ochrey yellow 
or pale brick red ; of a dull earthy fracture ; bitter and astring- 
ent taste : it is the produce of Uncaria gambir. The pieces are 
now less irregular in shape. There are many other trees which 
yield catechu, as the Areca catechu, or Betel-nut, &c. In fact the 
extracts of the different parts of many plants possess properties 
not unlike the substances under consideration. 

Prop. & Comp. Dark catechu is heavier than pale. The 
former has sp. gr. 1*45 ; the latter 1*39. The different varieties 
of catechu consist mainly of mimotannic acid and catechin. Mimo- 
tannic acid is soluble in cold water, and is distinguished from gal- 
lotannic acid by its yielding a greenish precipitate with persalts 
of iron ; by not precipitating tartarized antimony ; and by not 
yielding pyrogallic acid when heated ; when exposed in a moist 
state it becomes dark red from the absorption of oxygen, and is 
rendered insoluble. Catechin is insoluble in cold water, but solu- 
ble in boiling water, alcohol, and ether ; the solutions do not pre- 
cipitate gelatine, and strike green with persalts of iron ; it is con- 
verted by the action of alkalies and their carbonates into Japonic 
and Rubinic acids. It crystallizes in colourless needles ; its com- 
position is represented by the formula, HO, C 20 H 9 8 . Besides 
these substances, an extractive matter, mucilage, and insoluble 
compounds, are contained in catechu. Sir H. Davy found the fol- 
lowing per-centage of principles in pale and dark catechu. Under 
the head of tannin, catechin and mimotannic acid are included. 





Tannin ? 


Extractine. 


Mucilage. 


Insoluble. 
Matters. 


Pale Catechu 


. 48-5 


36-5 


8-0 


7-0 


Dark Catechu . 


, 54-5 


34-0 


6*5 


5-0 



TEOCHISCI CATECHU. 223 

The pale variety is entirely soluble in boiling water. The de- 
coction when cool is not rendered blue by iodine. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Catechu. Infusion of Catechu. [Infu- 
sum Catechu Cornpositum. U. S.] (Powdered catechu, one hun- 
dred and sixty grains ; cinnamon, bruised, thirty grains ; boiling 
distilled water, ten fluid ounces). [Powdered catechu, half a troy 
ounce ; powdered cinnamon, sixty grains ; boiling water, a pint. 
U. S.] 

Pulvis Catechu Compositus. Compound Powder of Catechu. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Catechu, four ounces ; kino, rhatany, 
each two ounces ; cinnamon and nutmeg, each one ounce.) 

TiNCTUBA Catechu. Tincture of Catechu. (Powdered catechu, 
two ounces and a half ; cinnamon, bruised, one ounce ; proof spirit, 
one pint. By maceration and percolation.) 

Trochisci Catechu. Catechu Lozenges. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Pale catechu, in powder, two ounces ; refined sugar, 
in powder, one pound ; gum arabic, in powder, one ounce ; tinc- 
ture of capsicum, half a fluid ounce ; distilled water, a sufficiency. 
Divide into 720 lozenges.) 

Therapeutics. Catechu acts as a very powerful astringent, from, 
the mimotannic acid and catechin contained in it. The catechin 
is astringent, but as it is very insoluble, its action is probably more 
local than that of the mimotannic acid, which probably is identical 
with that of ordinary tannic acid. (See Tannic and Gallic Acid.) 
Catechu is used chiefly in affections of the alimentary canal, as in 
diarrhoea, and in some forms of atonic dyspepsia, accompanied with 
pyrosis ; it may also be employed as a remote astringent in haemor- 
rhages and mucous discharges. Externally it may be used in the 
form of ointment, but has no advantage over the ointment of gall- 
nuts. It may be chewed, and the juice gradually swallowed in 
relaxed conditions of the uvula, palate, &c, and in some forms of 
hoarseness. 

Dose. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of infusum 
catechu, 1 fl. oz. to 1£ A. oz. ; of tinct. catechu, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. 
drm. ; of trochisci catechu, from one to three or more ; of pulvis 
catechu, 15 gr. to 60 gr. 

Indigo. Prepared from several species of Indigofera ; Nat. Order, 



224 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

Leguminosse ; is introduced into Appendix B. of the Pharma- 
copoeia for making the following preparation : 

Solution of Sulphate of Indigo. 

Prep. By dissolving five grains of indigo in one fluid drachm 
of sulphuric acid with the aid of heat, and then diluting with ten 
fluid ounces of water. 

Prop. & Comp. Indigo owes its fine colour to the presence of a 
peculiar substance, indigotin (C 16 H 5 N0 2 ) ; it is insoluble in water, 
but by the action of deoxidating agents it is changed into white 
indigo, which contains one more atom of hydrogen than indigotin : 
this is soluble in water, and by exposure to the air becomes recon- 
verted into the blue variety. The solution of sulphate of indigo 
contains a peculiar compound of the acid and the colouring matter, 
called sulph-indylic acid, formula (HO, C 16 H 4 NO, 2 S0 3 ). This 
solution is used as a test for free chlorine in hydrochloric acid and 
liquor soda3 chlorinatae ; if free chlorine be present, the colour is 
destroved. 

Therapeutics. The action of indigo as a therapeutic agent re- 
quires further investigation ; it has been employed in epilepsy ; it 
colours the urine green or bluish-green. Indigo is occasionally 
found in the urine in disease. 

ROSACEA. 

Rosa Centifolia. Cabbage-Rose Petals. The fresh petals of 
Rosa centifolia, the Cabbage, Damask, or Hundred-leaved Rose ; 
[The petals of Rosa centifolia. U. S.] Lin. Syst., Icosandria 
polygynia ; cultivated in Europe ; a native of Persia and the 
Caucasus. The petals should be obtained from plants cultivated 
in Britain. 
Description. The petals, familiar to all, are ordered to be used 

when fresh, as they lose their odour by drying. They have a 

sweetish-bitter and faintly astringent taste. 

Prop. <& Comp. Odour fragrant, depending upon a volatile oil • 
besides this, some colouring matter, and a slight laxative principle 
exist in the petals, and a trace of tannic or gallic acid. The vol- 
atile oil, known under the name of Attar of Roses, is prepared in 
India ; a very small quantity exists in the rose petals. 



EOSA GALLICA. 225 

Off. Prep. Aqua Ros^. Rose Water. (Fresh petals of the 
hundred-leaved rose, ten pounds ; water, two gallons. Let a gal- 
lon distil.) 

Therapeutics. Rose water is used only as an agreeable vehicle 
for the administration of medicines ; much employed in making 
lotions. 

Dose. Of aqua rosse, ad libitum. 

Rosa Galiica. Red Rose Petals. The fresh and dried petals of 
the unblown flower of Rosa galiica, the Red or French Rose ; 
[The petals of Rosa galiica. IT. S.] Lin. Syst, Icosandria po- 
lygynia ; grows in Austria and South of Europe ; cultivated in 
England. 
Description. The flower-buds deprived of the calyx and claws 

are employed in medicine ; they are about the size of a nutmeg, of 

a purplish-red colour, with an astringent taste, and a roseate odour, 

developed by drying. 

Prop. & Comp. The petals contain red colouring matter, tan- 
nic or gallic acid, and a trace of volatile oil ; the colour is acted 
on by light. An infusion of the petals becomes bright red with 
acids, and green with alkalies. 

Off. Prep. Confectio Ros,e. Confection of Roses. (Fresh 
red rose petals, one pound ; sugar, three pounds. Pound the rose 
petals in a stone mortar ; add the sugar, and pound them again 
until incorporated.) [Red Rose, in fine powder, four troy ounces ; 
sugar, in powder, thirty troy ounces; clarified honey, six troy 
ounces ; rose water, eight fluid ounces. Rub the rose with the 
rose water heated to 180° ; gradually add the sugar and honey 
beating the whole together. U. S.] 

Infusum Ros^j Acidum. Acid Infusion of Roses. [Not offici- 
nal in U- S. P.] (Red rose petals, a quarter of an ounce ; dilute 
sulphuric acid, one fluid drachm ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid 
ounces.) It is of a bright red colour, from the action of the sul- 
phuric acid on the colouring matter. 

Syrupus Ros^e Gallics. Syrup of Red Roses. (Dried red 
rose petals, two ounces ; refined sugar, thirty ounces ; boiling dis- 
tilled water, one pint. The product should weigh two rounds 
fourteen ounces, and should have the sp. gr. 1*335.) 

[The U. S. P. directs a tincture to be made by percolation with 
16 



226 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

diluted alcohol, and the syrup is made from this by the addition 
of water and sugar.] 

Therapeutics. Red rose petals are astringent, from tannin or 
gallic acid ; they are, however, often used on account of their col- 
ouring matter. The confection is employed as a pill basis, occa- 
sionally as a slight astringent, and is applied in aphthous condi- 
tions of the mouth in the form of a linctus. The acid infusion 
makes an excellent gargle, and is given internally as an astringent 
or as a vehicle for more powerful medicines, as Epsom salts, sul- 
phate of quina, &c. A preparation made with honey, mel rosae, 
not now officinal, is a favourite astringent application to aphthae 
in children. 

Dose. Of the confection, 60 gr. or more ; of the acid infusion, 1 fl. 
oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. or more, if given internally. 

Rosa Canina. Hips. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] The fresh fruit 
of Rosa canina, the Dog Rose, and other allied species ; Lin. 
Syst., Icosandria polygynia ; indigenous. 

Description. The ripe fruit of indigenous plants deprived of 
their hairy seeds (achenes), an inch or more in length, ovate, scar- 
let, smooth, shining ; taste sweet, subacid, pleasant. 

Prop. & Comp. The pulp contains citric and malic acids, with 
citrates, malates, sugar, a little tannin, and a trace of volatile oil. 

Off. Prep. Confectio Ros^ Canine. Confection of Hips. 
(Hips, carefully deprived of their seeds, one pound ; refined sugar, 
two pounds. Rub the pulp, gradually adding the sugar, until 
thoroughly incorporated.) 

Therapeutics. A slight refrigerant, also somewhat astringent. 
In the form of the confection it is used to form a linctus, and also 
as a pill basis. 

Dose. Of confection, 60 gr., or more. 

Tormentilla. Tormentil. The rhizome of Potentilla tormentilla ; 
Lin. Syst., Icosandria polygynia ; indigenous. (Not officinal.) 

Description. The rhizome is oblong in shape, knotty, and has 
numerous radicles attached to it, of a dark brown colour exter- 
nally, and reddish-brown within. 

Prop. <& Comp. Tormentilla has a very astringent taste, con- 
tains about 17 per cent, of tannic acid, also colouring and gummy 
matters, and a trace of volatile oil. 



AMYGDALAE OLEUM. 227 

Therapeutics. A powerful astringent, given sometimes in diar- 
rhoea ; also in the form of decoction as a gargle or injection : it 
may be used in all cases where the use of tannin is indicated. 

Dose. Of powdered tormentil, 20 gr. to 60 gr., or more ; of 
decoction (2 oz. to the 20 fl. oz.), 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

Cydonium. Quince Seed. The seed of Cydonia vulgaris, the 
common Quince ; Lin. Syst., Icosandria pentagynia ; grows in 
the South of* Europe and Candia. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in 
IT. S. P.] 

Description. The seeds are ovate, pointed, convex on one side, 
and flattened on the other ; of a brownish colour ; the seed-coat 
contains much mucilage, which it yields to boiling water. 

Prop, dh Comp. The mucilage from the seeds has the proper- 
ties of other mucilage, being precipitated by both acetate and 
diacetate of lead. 

Therapeutics. A demulcent, used externally, in the form of 
decoction or mucilage (J oz. to 20 fl. oz.), to cracks in the 
skin, &c. 

Amygdala. Jordan Almonds. The seed of Amygdalus communis 
(the sweet variety), the Sweet Almond Tree ; Lin. Syst., 
Icosandria monogynia ; growing in Syria, Persia, also in Nor- 
thern Africa and Southern Europe. The seed, from trees, culti- 
vated about Malaga. 

Amygdalae Oleum. Almond Oil. The oil expressed from 
the seeds of Amygdalus communis (both bitter and sweet 
varieties). 

[Amygdala Dulcis. Sweet Almond. The kernel of the fruit of 
Amygdalus Communis, variety dulcis. 

Amygdala Amara. Bitter Almond. The kernel of the fruit of 
Amygdalus Communis, variety amara. 

Oleum Amygdalae Amarae. Oil of Bitter Almond. The oil 
obtained by distilling with water the kernels of the fruit Amygdal 
Communis, U. S., variety amara. 

Oleum Amygdalae Dulcis. Oil of Sweet Almond. The fixed 
oil obtained from the kernels of the fruit of Amygdalus Communis, 
variety dulcis. U. S.] 

Description. The character of the almond seed is well known ; 
it is above an inch in length, lanceolate, acute, with a clear cin 



228 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

namon-brown seed-coat, and a bland, sweetish, nutty-flavoured 
kernel : the bitter almond is the smaller of the two. The oil is 
of a very pale-yellow colour, made by expression, and whether ob- 
tained from the sweet or bitter variety is the same in properties 
and composition, being nearly inodorous, or having a nutty odour 
with a bland oleaginous taste. 

Prop, dc Comp. Both varieties of almonds contain about 50 
per cent, of the^ecZ oil, an albuminous principle, soluble in water, 
called emulsine, with sugar, gum, and woody fibre ; the bitter 
variety, in addition to these, possesses a peculiar white crystalline 
principle, Amygdaline, (C 40 H 27 N0 22 ), soluble in water and alco- 
hol, the solutions having a slightly bitter taste. It is to the pre- 
sence of this body that the peculiar properties of the bitter 
almond are due, for when anygdaline is acted upon by the emul- 
sine, as occurs on moistening the almond, a species of fermentation 
ensues, and hydrocyanic acid (H Cy) and volatile oil of hitter 
ahnonds or hydride or hyduret of benzol (C 14 H 5 2 -f H) are 
formed, with a little sugar and formic acid, and hence poisonous 
effects may result from such a decomposition. 

The volatile oil, when deprived of prussic acid, is not poisonous, 
and resembles in appearance other volatile oils ; on exposure it 
absorbs oxygen, and is converted into benzoic acid (C 14 Hj 3 
-f HO) ; it is procured by distilling the marc, left after the expres- 
sion of the fixed oil from bitter almonds, with water ; that sold in 
the shops is intensely poisonous from the large amount (from 4 to 
8 per cent.) of prussic acid contained in it. 

The fixed oil, sp. gr. 0*92, consists of margarine dissolved in 
oleine, and possesses no peculiar properties distinguishing it from 
other fixed oils. The bitter almond is not officinal, except as a 
source of the fixed oil. 

Off. Prep. — Of Almonds. Mistuk a Amygdalae. Almond Mix- 
ture. (Compound powder of almonds, two ounces and a half; 
distilled water, one pint.) . 

Pulvis Amygdalae Compositus. Compound Powder of Al- 
monds. 

Synonyms. Confectio Amygdalae, Lond. ; Conserva Amygda- 
larum, Edin. 



LAURO-CERASUS. 229 

(Jordan almonds, eight ounces ; refined sugar, In powder, four 
ounces ; gum arabic, in powder, one ounce.) 

Of Almond Oil. 

Used in unguentum cetacei, and unguentum simplex, &c. 

Therapeutics. Sweet almonds are nutritive, from the albumi- 
nous, oleaginous, and saccharine matters contained in them ; they 
are likewise demulcent, and are either used on account of this 
property, or more commonly the officinal preparations are em- 
ployed as vehicles for the exhibition of other remedies : the fixed 
oil may be also used as a demulcent ; in large doses it'is purgative. 
Bitter almonds are poisonous in large quantities, and their exhi- 
bition is not advisable, the amount of prussic acid generated being 
very variable, and the officinal acid can always be prescribed 
with equal advantage and much greater safety. (See Acidum 
Hydrocyanicum Dilutum.) 

Dose. Of pulvis amygdala? compositus, 60 gr. to 120 gr. ; of 
mistura amygdalae, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of oleum amygdalae (fixed), 
1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 

Prunum. The Prune. The dried fruit of the Primus domestica, 
or common Plum Tree; Lin. Syst., Icosandria monogynia; 
growing in Syria and in different parts of Europe. 

Description. The finest and sweetest varieties are used as a 
condiment ; the smaller kind, more acid and less pleasant, are 
employed in medicine. They are about an inch long, ovate, 
wrinkled, black, sweet, and somewhat austere. 

Prop. <& Com]). Prunes contain some malic acid, sugar, and a 
purgative principle the nature of which is unknown. 
Prunes are contained in confect. sennas. 

Therapeutics. Seldom prescribed by the physician, but often 
used as a laxative or domestic medicine ; they are somewhat apt 
to cause flatulence and griping. 

Dose. 2 oz. and upwards. Prunes are often added to an infu- 
sion of senna to increase its purgative action and render it more 
palatable. 

Lauro-Cerasus. The leaves of Prunus Lauro-Cerasus, or Cerasus 
Lauro-Cerasus, the Cherry Laurel [not officinal in U. S. P.] ; 



230 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Lin. Syst., Icosandria monogynia ; a native of Asia Minor, but 
cultivated in English gardens. 

Description. The leaves of the cherry laurel are four or five 
inches long T and about two broad ; coriaceous in texture, ovate- 
lanceolate or elliptical, with a few dentations * shining and smooth 
on the upper surface, dull on the under and of a lighter colour, 
with two or four glands, and strong short foot-stalks ; emitting 
a ratifia odour when bruised. 

Prop. <& Comn.jp. On distillation with water they yield volatile 
oil and some prussic acid ; neither of these substances are present 
in the leaves ; Amygdaline, however, exists in them, and it is by 
the decomposition of this principle that the above products are 
obtained. (See Amygdala.) 

Off. Prep. Aqua LauroCerasi. Laurel Water. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Fresh leaves of common laurel, one pound ; 
water, two pints and a half. Distil one pint.) 

Therapeutics. Action as that of prussic acid. The strength 
of the above preparation is very variable, and this fact constitutes 
the great objection to its use, especially as all the valuable effects 
may be obtained by the use of the officinal acid. 

Dose. 10 min. to 30 min. or more. 

[Prunus Yirginiana. Wild Cherry Bark. The bark of Cerasus 
Serotina. U. S. Lin. Syst., Icosandria monogynia. A fine tree, 
indigenous in the United States. 

Description. The bark is in pieces of various sizes, deprived 
of its epiderm, of a reddish-brown colour, a bitter taste, and hav- 
ing an odour of bitter almonds. 

Prop. & Gomp. The bark contains a bitter principle and 
small quantities of amygdalin and emulsin, by the mutual reac- 
tion of which, in the presence of water, hydrocyanic acid is disen- 
gaged. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Pruni Virginiani. A pint of infusion is 
made from half a troy ounce of powdered bark, by percolation with 
cold water. 

Extractum Pruni Virginiani Fluidum. Fluid Extract of 
Wild Cherry Bark. Two pints of syrup, containing a little alco- 



CTTSSO. 231 

hoi, are made from sixteen troy ounces of wild cherry bark, and 
two troy ounces of sweet almonds. 

Therapeutics. Wild cherry bark is tonic, and slightly calma- 
tive and anodyne. 

Dose. Of the infusion, 1 to 3 fluid ounces ; of the fluid extract, 
1 to 2 fl. drm.] 

Cusso. Kousso. The flowers of Brayera anthelmintica [Brayera. 
Koosso. The flowers and unripe fruit of Brayera anthelmin- 
tica. U. S.] ; they are said to be dioecious. The tree is a 
native of Abyssinia, growing chiefly on elevated ground, several 
thousand feet above the level of the sea. 

Description. Small reddish-brown flowers, on hairy stalks, the 
outer limb of calyx five-parted, the segments ovate reticulated. 
The general colour of kousso, viewed en masse, is yellowish green, 
with the purple edges of the petals of the flower appearing pretty 
frequently and streaking the ground colour. It has a peculiar 
odour, somewhat like that of tea. It is safer to buy it with the 
flowers whole than in a state of powder, as in the latter case it is 
more readily adulterated. 

Prop. & Comp. Kousso may be obtained either in the form 
of powder or of the dried flowers. It contains a volatile oil, 
gum, sugar, &c, and a crystallizable principle, Jcoussine, but 
whether its active properties are due to the latter substance is 
unknown. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Cusso. Infusion of Kousso. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Kousso, in coarse powder, a quarter of an 
ounce. Boiling distilled water, four fluid ounces. Prepared with- 
out straining.) 

Therapeutics. Kousso acts as an efficient anthelmintic. Whe- 
ther it is superior to other remedies of the same class, is as yet 
doubtful ; it has little or no cathartic power, and the subsequent 
administration of a purgative is generally required to bring away 
the entozoa, which the kousso seems to destroy. It has been 
chiefly employed in cases where the tape-worm is suspected, or 
known to be present. Occasionally nausea, and even vomiting, 
are induced by the drug. 

Dose. Of kousso, -| oz. for an adult : -§• oz. to J oz. for a 



232 MATEKIA MEDICA. 

child. Of the infusion (including the infused flowers), 4 fl. oz. to 
8 fl. oz. 

MYRTACEJE. 

Caryophyllum. [Caryophyllus. IT. S.] Cloves. The unex- 
panded flower-bud, dried, of Caryophyllus aromaticus, or Clove 
Tree; Lin. Syst., Icosandria monogynia ; growing in the East 
Indian Islands, Penang, Bencoolen, and Amboyna. 

Caryophylli Oleum, Oil of Cloves. The oil distilled in Eng- 
land from cloves. 

Description. The clove is a small, tapering, nail-like body, 
about six lines long, consisting of a four-toothed calyx, between 
which the unopened corolla is seen as a round ball ; of a dark 
reddish-brown colour, and hot taste. The oil, light yellow when 
fresh, sp. gr. T055 to 1*060, has the odour and burning taste of 
the clove. It is one of the few volatile oils heavier than water. 

Prop. & Comp. Cloves, besides the volatile oil, contain resin, 
tannin, and woody fibre. The volatile oil consists of a hydrocarbon 
(C 20 H 15 ), holding in solution eugenic acid (C 2 o H 12 4 ), and 
a crystallizable body, caryophylli ne (C 20 H 19 2 ), isomeric with 
camphor • and lastly, eugenine, probably isomeric with eugenic 
acid. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Caryophylli. Infusion of Cloves. 
(Bruised cloves, quarter of an ounce ; boiling distilled water, 
ten fluid ounces.) [Bruised cloves one hundred and twenty grains ; 
Boiling water, a pint. U. S.] 

Cloves are contained also in Pulvis Aromaticus. (See 
Cinnamon.) 

Therapeutics. Cloves and the oil are stimulant, aromatic, and 
carminative ; employed in atonic dyspepsia, to allay vomiting 
in pregnancy and relieve flatulence. The oil may be used as 
an adjunct to purgatives ; or locally to arrest the pain of carious 
teeth. 

Dose. Of the powdered clove, 5 gr. to 20 gr., or more ; of the 
infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. j of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min., or 
more. 

Incompatibles. Solutions containing cloves strike black with 
salts of iron, on account of the tannin. 



•OLEUM CAJUPUTI. 233 

Pimenta. Pimento. The unripe fruit of Eugenia pimenta, the 
Pimento or Allspice Tree ; Lin. Syst., Icosandria monogynia ; 
growing in the West Indian Islands. 

Pimentee oleum. Oil of Pimento. The oil distilled from fruit 
in England. 'x 

Description. Pimento is a small round two-celled berry 
rather larger than pepper ; brown and rough on the surface, 
crowned ,. .th the teeth of the calyx, and containing two seeds ; 
of an aromatic odour, and hot, aromatic taste. 

Prop. & Comp. The volatile oil, yellow, heavier than water, 
consists of two portions, like that of cloves, with which it appears 
to be identical • besides which allspice contains a fixed oil, resini 
tannic acid, and less important ingredients. The cortical portion 
is the most active. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Pimento. Pimento water. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Pimento, bruised, fourteen ounces ; water, two 
gallons. Let a gallon distil.) 

Therapeutics. The same as cloves. 

Dose. Of the powder, 5 gr. to 20 gr. or more ; of aqua pimentse 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. 

Oleum Cajuputi. Oil of Cajeput. The oil distilled from the 
leaves of Melaleuca minor, [Melaleuca Cajuputi. U. S.] or 
Cajeput Tree ; Lin. Syst., Polyadelphia icosandria ; growing 
in the Molucca Islands. The oil is imported from thence. 

Description. A very transparent mobile oil, of a fine pale 
bluish-green colour, with a strong camphoraceous and cardamom- 
like odour and taste ; a small quantity only is yielded by the 
leaves. 

Prop. & Comp. Sp. gr. 0*914 ; when distilled at first a colour- 
less oil passes over. Formula (C 10 H 9 0). 

Off. Prep. Spikitus Cajuputi. Spirit of Cajeput. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] Oil of cajeput, one fluid ounce ; rectified 
spirit, nine fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. A powerful topical and general stimulant and 
antispasmodic, employed in flatulent colic, hysteria, and cholera ; 
also in chronic rheumatism and low states of the system. Ex- 



234 MATERIA MEDICA. 

ternally, when mixed with olive oil, it is used over chronic rheu- 
matic and gouty parts. 

Dose. 1 min. to 5 min., or more ; of spiritus cajuputi, 10 min. 
to 1 fl. drm. or upwards. 

Adulteration. Copper has been detected in certain samples, 
but is not essential to the green colour of the oil. Camphor, 
dissolved in oil of rosemary, and coloured by copper, is said to 
have been substituted for the genuine oil. 

GRANACEiE. 

Granati Radix. Pomegranate Root. The bark of the root, fresh 
or dried, of Punica granatum ; [Granati Radicis Cortex. The 
bark of the root of Punica Granatum. Granati Fructus Cortex. 
The rind of the fruit of Punica Granatum. U. S.] Lin. Syst., 
Icosandria monogynia ; growing on the shores of the Medi- 
terranean ; chiefly imported in the dried state from Germany. 

Description. The fruit of this tree resembles an orange, but 
has a coriaceous rind, and is crowned with a toothed calyx ; it 
was formerly officinal. The root-hark occurs in thin quilled 
pieces, of a greyish colour externally, yellow within, having 
a short fracture, slight odour, and bitterish, but astringent 
taste. 

Prop, db Oomp. The rind of the fruit contains tannin, about 20 
per cent., with extractive and mucilaginous matters ; the root-bark 
contains about the same quantity of tannin, and a principle called 
punicine has also been detected. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Granati Radicis. Decoction of Pome- 
granate Root. (Pomegranate root, fresh or dry, sliced, two 
ounces ; distilled water, forty fluid ounces. Boil down to twenty 
fluid ounces, and strain.) 

Therapeutics. The rind of the fruit is astringent, from the tan- 
nin contained in it, and may be used externally and internally 
when astringents are indicated. The pomegranate root appears 
to possess anthelmintic properties, and has been employed for the 
expulsion of tape- worms. 

Dose. Of decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz. or more. 



PILULA COLOCYOTHIDIS COMPOSITA. 235 



CUCTJRBITACEJE. 

Colocynthis. Colocynth. The dried decorticated fruit, freed 
from the seeds, of Citrullus (Cucumis) colocynthis, or Colocynth 
Gourd ; Lin. Syst., Moncecia monadelphia ; a plant growing on 
the shores of the Mediterranean and India; imported chiefly 
from Smyrna, Trieste, France, and Spain. 

Description. The fruit was formerly imported from Mogador 
unpeeled, now only from the Mediterranean ports peeled. It con- 
sists of a globular pepo, about the size of an orange ; the rind is 
hard and yellow, the pulp very light yellow, porous or spongy, 
tough, and enclosing the seeds, which form about 72 per cent, of 
its weight, and are ordered to be removed, as seen in the definition. 

Prop. <& Comp. Intensely bitter ; contains a glucoside, colo- 
cynthin (C 56 H 42 23 ?), capable of being crystallized; soluble in 
water and alcohol, but insoluble in ether ; decomposed by boiling 
with acids into a resin and glucose. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. Com- 
pound Extract of Colocynth. (Colocynth, free from seeds, six 
ounces ; extract of Socotrine aloes, twelve ounces ; scammony or 
resin of scammony, in powder, four ounces ; hard soap, in powder, 
three ounces ; cardamoms, in fine powder, one ounce ; proof spirit, 
one gallon. Prepared by macerating the colocynth in proof spirit, 
mixing the solution thus made with the extract of aloes, scam- 
mony, hard soap, and cardamoms, and reducing by evaporation to 
a pilular consistence.) [Extractum Colocynthidis Alcoholicum. 
U. S. Alcoholic Extract of Colocynth. U. S. Made by evapor- 
ating a tincture of Colocynth obtained by maceration and percola- 
tion to dryness. 

Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. U. S. 

Alcoholic extract of colocynth, three troy ounces and a half ; 
socotrine aloes, twelve troy ounces ; resin of scammony, three troy 
ounces ; cardamom, a troy ounce ; soap, three troy ounces ; all in 
fine powder, are mixed thoroughly and kept in a well stopped 
bottle.] 

Pilula Colocynthidis Composita. Compound Colocynth Pill. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Colocynth, in powder, 1 oz. ; Barba- 



236 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

does aloes, 2 oz. ; scammony, 2 oz. ; sulphate of potash, J oz. ; and 
oil of cloves, 2 fl. drm.) 

Pilula Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami. Pill of Colocynth and 
Hyoscyamus. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (The same as the com- 
pound colocynth pill, with the addition of 3 oz. of extract of 
hyoscyamus.) 

[Pilule Cathartics Composite. Compound Cathartic Pills. 

Compound extract of colocynth, half a troy ounce ; extract of 
jalap, mild chloride of mercury, each one hundred and eighty 
grains ; gamboge, forty grains. Mix and form a mass with water, 
to be divided into one hundred and eighty pills. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Colocynth is a powerful drastic purgative, pro- 
ducing watery evacuations ; when given alone, it is apt to gripe ; 
useful as an adjunct to other purgatives, to give briskness. It is 
employed in obstinate constipation, febrile conditions, and to 
relieve the portal system in dropsical effusions, and uterine ob- 
structions ; also as a derivative in head affections. 

Dose. Of the powdered pulp, 2 gr. and upwards ; rarely used ; 
of the compound extract, 2 gr. to 10 gr. ; of pil. coloc. comp., 5 
gr. to 12 gr. ; of pil. coloc. et hyoscyami, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; [of Pil. 
Cathart. Comp. 2 to 4.] 

Adulteration. The extract is not unfrequently made with the 
pulp and seeds, which yields a larger, but a less active product ; 
the use of the pulp free from seeds should be strictly adhered to 
in making the officinal preparations. 

Elaterium. Elaterium. A sediment from the expressed juice of 
the fruit of Ecbalium Officinarum or Squirting or Wild Cucum- 
ber [a substance deposited by the juice of the fruit of the Mo- 
mordica Elaterium, Ecbalium Agreste. U. S.] Lin. Syst., Mo- 
noecia syngenesia; growing in Greece and Southern parts of 
Europe ; also cultivated in England. 

Description. The fruit of Ecbalium officinarum is a small ellip- 
tical pepo, about 1-J- inch long, covered with soft prickles, con- 
taining the seeds surrounded by a juicy tissue : these, when ripe, 
are expelled forcibly, hence the English name of the plant. Ela- 
terium itself occurs in the form of thin flattened or slightly incurved 
pieces about 1 line thick ; light, friable ; of a green colour when 



C0N1E FEUCTT7S. 237 

fresh, becoming grey on exposure to light. The fracture is finely 
granular. 

Prep. Elaterium is prepared by cutting the fruit lengthwise, 
and lightly pressing out the juice, which is strained through a hair 
sieve ; the expressed juice is set aside to deposit ; the sediment 
poured on a linen filter and dried on porous bricks at a gentle 
heat. This was formerly called the extract. 

Prop. & Oomp. Elaterium contains an active principle, elate- 
vine or momordicine (C 20 H 14 5 ), which forms silky prisms, solu- 
ble in alcohol, but very slightly so in water or ether, forming in 
good elaterine from 20 to 30 per cent. ; also a green resinous mat- 
ter, soluble in ether, probably chlorophyl, together with woody 
fibre, &c. 

Therapeutics. A drastic hydragogue purgative used chiefly in 
dropsical affections, especially those connected with cardiac dis- 
ease : sometimes causes nausea and great depression, hence it 
should be carefully administered ; also apt to produce gastroen- 
teritis. 

Dose. Of elaterium (good), T ^ to \ gr. ; of crystallized elate- 
rine or momordicine, ^ gr. to \ gr. 

Adulteration. Elaterium is often very inferior, containing 
starch or flour, also chalk, and but little elaterine, often not more 
than 4 or 6 per cent. Elaterium should not give a blue colour 
with iodine, nor effervesce when an acid is added. 100 grains 
should yield 50 grains to boiling rectified spirit ; and when this 
solution is concentrated and added to a warm solution of potash, 
at least 20 grains of crystallized elaterine should be precipitated 
on cooling. The green colouring matter is soluble in the alkaline 
solution, but the elaterine is insoluble. 

UMBELLIFEEiE. 

Conium. Hemlock. The fresh leaves and branches of Conium 
maculatum, Hemlock (the, wild herb) ; Lin. Syst., Petandria 
digynia ; gathered when the fruit begins to form ; indigenous, 
growing in hedges and wild places. The leaves should be dried 
either in the sun or at a temperature not above 120°. 

Oonii Fructus. Hemlock Fruit. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] The 
ripe dried fruit of the same plant. 



238 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Description. The leaves are deep green, shining, tripinnate, 
with pinnatifid leaflets, petioles furrowed and sheathing at the 
base ; the stem is smooth and purple-spotted. The seeds, or rather 
fruit, are broadly ovate, compressed laterally, and distinguished 
from other umbelliferous fruits by having undulating crenulated 
ridges and no vittas. 

Prop. & Comjp. The leaves, when fresh, have a peculiar odour. 
All parts contain Conia (C l6 H^ N), a liquid volatile alkaloid, with 
a powerful odour ; colourless when pure ; lighter than water ; but 
slightly soluble in water ; soluble in ether and alcohol, producing 
a greasy stain on paper, it is united with coniic acid, and a trace of 
volatile oil. The vapour is inflammable. When potash is added 
to any part of the plant the conia is set free, and can be detected 
by its odour and the fumes which it gives with hydrochloric acid. 

Off. Prep. — Of Conium {leaves). Cataplasma Conii. Hem- 
lock Poultice. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hemlock leaf in pow- 
der, one ounce ; linseed meal, 3 ounces.) 

Extractum Conii. Extract of Hemlock. (Prepared in the 
same manner as the other green extracts.) 

[Tinctura Conii. Tincture of Conium. U. S. Two pints of 
tincture are procured from four troy ounces of recently dried hem- 
lock leaves by percolation with diluted alcohol.] 

[Extractum Conii Fluidum. U. S. A tincture is obtained by 
percolating sixteen ounces of recently dried hemlock leaves with 
diluted alcohol, to which half a fluid ounce of acetic acid has been 
added. The tincture is evaporated at a temperature not exceed- 
ing 150°, so as to form sixteen ounces of fluid extract.] 

Succus Conii. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (The expressed juice 
of the fresh leaves with one part of rectified spirit added to every 
three parts of the juice.) 

Of the Conium Fruit. Tinctura Conii Fructus. Tincture of 
Hemlock Fruit. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hemlock fruit, 
bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) At least twice the 
strength of the tincture of conium of the London Pharmacopoeia. 

[Extractum Conii Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of Conium. 
U. S. Made by evaporating at a low heat, a tincture procured by 
percolation with dilute alcohol.] 



ASSAFCETIDA. 239 

Therapeutics. Conium seems to act as a direct sedative, espe- 
cially on the spinal cord, and in very large doses causes paralysis ; 
it is used [to allay cough in bronchitic affections, pertussis, and 
phthisis ; formerly thought to be curative of cancerous diseases ; 
it often alleviates in such cases, allaying pain and improving gen- 
eral health. Conium may also be applied externally to ease pain. 

Dose. Of the powdered leaf, 3 gr. to 10 gr. or more ; of the 
extract, 2 gr. to 5 gr. or more ; of succus conii, 30 min. to 1^ fl. 
drm. ; of the tincture, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. or more. [Of the fluid 
extract, 5 min.] 

Assafoetida. The gum resin exuding, after incisioa, from the liv- 
ing root [The concrete juice of the root. U. S.] of Narthex assa- 
foetida; Lin. Syst., Pentandria trigynia; a native of Persia, 
Afghanistan, and the Punjaub. 

Description. Generally in masses of agglutinated tears, some- 
times in separate tears ; moist or dry. The masses, when cut, are 
amygdaloid in appearance, consisting of the harder whitish tears, 
with softer and brownish-red uniting matter ; assafoetida becomes 
pink, then dark red on exposure ; its odour is very strong, and 
alliaceous, taste bitter, and rather acrid. 

Prop. <& Com.p. Assafoetida dissolves almost entirely in recti- 
fied spirits. It contains volatile oil, about 4 per cent., consisting 
of sulphurets of allyl (C 12 H u S + C 12 H L1 S 2 ), resin 65 per cent., 
gum 25 per cent., and some saline matters. When rubbed with 
water, the gummy matters dissolve, and the resin and volatile oil 
are suspended, and hence an emulsion is formed. 

Off. Prep. Enema Assafcetida. Enema of Assafoetida. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] 

Synonym. Enema Foetidum. Edin., Dub. (Tincture of as- 
safoetida, six fl. drms. ; mucilage of starch, six fl. ounces.) 

Pilula Aloes et Assafoetida. Pill of Aloes and Assafcetidse. 
(Socotrine aloes in powder, one ounce ; assafoetida, one ounce ; 
hard soap, in powder, one ounce ; confection of roses, one ounce.) 
[Socotrine Aloes, Assafetida, hard soap, all in fine powder, of 
each, half a troy ounce. Beat with water, to form a pilular mass, 
and divide into one hundred and eighty pills. U. S.] 

Pilula Assafoetida Composita. Compound Pill of Assa- 
foetida. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Assafoetida, two ounces ; 



240 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

galbanum, two ounces ; myrrh, two ounces ; treacle by weight, 
one ounce.) [Pilula Assafetida. Pills of Assafetida. U. S. As- 
safetida, a troy ounce and a half; soap, in fine powder, half an 
ounce. Beat with water to form a pilular mass ; to be divided 
into two hundred and forty pills.] 

Tinctura Assafcetid^e. Tincture of Assafoetida. (Prepared 
by maceration. Assafoetida, in small fragments, two ounces and 
a half; rectified spirit, twenty ounces.) [Assafetida, four troy 
ounces ; alcohol, two pints. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Assafoetida acts on the nervous system as a stim- 
ulant and powerful antispasmodic, and is especially useful in 
hysterical convulsive affections ; likewise in pertussis, asthma, and 
other nervous diseases ; in tympanitis it may be administered as 
an enema. It is useful also in some forms of chronic bronchitis, from 
the expectorant powers it possesses. 

Dose. Of the gum resin, 5 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of the tinc- 
ture, l fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. or more. Of pil. aloes et assafoetidas, 
4 gr. to 10 gr. ; of pil. assafcetidse com., 5 gr. to 15 gr. 

Adulteration. Mechanical impurities, as sand, stones, &c, oc- 
casionally met with. 

Galbanum. The gum resin derived from an unascertained um- 
belliferous plant (Galbanum officinale ?). Some doubt exists as 
to its true origin. It comes from the Levant and India. 

Description. In masses of a greenish yellow colour, translucent, 
or more rarely in separate tears, about the size of a pea. Harder, 
lighter coloured, of less intense odour, and more agreeable than 
assafoetida, of a bitter acrid taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Galbanum contains less volatile oil than as- 
safoetida. The resin has the composition (C 40 H 27 7 ). The 
volatile oil is generally supposed to contain sulphur ; however, the 
author has examined galbanum with a view of ascertaining the 
correctness of this opinion, and has failed to detect that element. 

Off. Prep. Emplastrum Galbani. Galbanum Plaster. (Gal- 
banum, one ounce ; ammoniac, one ounce ; yellow wax, one ounce ; 
litharge plaster, eight ounces.) [Emplastrum Galbani Compos^ 
itum. U. S. Galbanum, eight troy ounces ; turpentine, a troy 
ounce ; Burgundy pitch, three troy ounces ; lead plaster, thirty- 
six troy ounces.] 



MISTUEA AMMONIACI 241 

Galbanum forms an important ingredient in pilula assafoetidae 
composita. 

Therapeutics, Similar to assafoetida, but less powerful. Ex- 
ternally it is used to indolent tumours, with an idea of its possess- 
ing discutient powers. Galbanum is probably allied to ammoniacum 
in its action, and may be used as a stimulating expectorant. 

Dose, Of the gum resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more. 

Sagapenum. (Not now officinal.) The gum resin from an un- 
known plant, belonging to the order Umbelliferse : it is im- 
ported from the Levant. 

Description. In tears or masses, generally the latter ; more 
yellow than assafoetida • in odour it somewhat resembles that 
drug. 

Prop. & Comp, It contains a small amount of volatile oil, 
and a large quantity of resin. The author has failed to detect 
sulphur in the oil which has usually been supposed to contain that 
element. 

Therapeutics. In its action on the system, it is closely allied to 
assafoetida and galbanum : it is seldom used by itself, but formed 
a part of the compound galbanum pill of the London Phar- 
macopoeia, 1851. 

Dose. Of the gum resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more. 

Opoponax, in London Pharmacopoeia of 1836 ; a gum resin in 
tears, obtained from Opoponax chironium. Its properties are 
similar to those of the other foetid gum-resins. 

Ammoniacum. Ammoniac. The gum-resinous exudation from 
the stem and pedicel of Doreina ammoniacum, indurated by 
the air ; [The concrete juice of Doreina Ammoniacum. U. S.] 
Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia; growing in Persia and the 
Punjaub. Stated to exude from punctures in the plant made 
by beetles. 

Description, In separate tears, or in masses ; the tears from 
two to eight lines in diameter, pale, cinnamon brown colour, 
fracture smooth, white and opaque, but becoming yellow on ex- 
posure ; the masses are composed of agglutinated tears presenting 
an amygdaloid appearance, very similar to some specimens of 
gum benzoin ; ammoniacum is brittle when cold, but softens 
17 



242 MATERIA MEDICA. 

readily with heat • its odour is slight but peculiar ; taste bitter 
and rather acrid ; it forms a milky emulsion when rubbed with 
water. 

Prop. & Comp. Resin, about 7 per cent. ; gum, 20 per cent. ; 
volatile oil, 4 per cent. When rubbed with water the resin and 
oil are suspended by the dissolved gum. The oil differs from 
that of assafoetida in not containing sulphur. 

Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. Am- 
moniac Plaster with Mercury. (Ammoniac, twelve ounces ; mer- 
cury, three ounces ; olive oil, one fluid drachm ; sulphur, eight 
grains.) 

Mistura Ammoniaci. Ammoniac Mixture. (Ammoniac a quar- 
ter of an ounce ; distilled water, eight fluid ounces.) 

Ammoniac is contained also in pilula scillse composita, and em- 
plastrum galbani. 

Therapeutics. Less antispasmodic than assafoetida, but it seems 
more expectorant ; it is used chiefly in chronic bronchitic affec- 
tions. Externally, as a stimulant discutient over indolent 
tumours, &c. 

Dose. Of the gum resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of the mix- 
ture, ^ fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. 

Anisi Oleum. Oil of Anise. The oil distilled from the fruit of 
Pimpinella anisum, or Anise ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia ; 
distilled in Europe. Also from the fruit of Illicium anisatum, 
Star Anise (natural order, Magnoliaceae), distilled in China. 

Description. The mericarps, commonly called seeds, not now 
officinal, are oblong-ovate, downy, have five primary ridges, three 
vittae in each channel ; of a dingy yellowish-green colour. The 
volatile oil, oleum anisi, upon which the activity of the mericarp 
depends, is of a light straw colour ; sp. gr. from 0*977 to 0'99. 

Prop. & Comp. Oil of anise consists of two portions, one 
heavier than water, and solid at ordinary temperatures ; the other 
liquid, and more volatile ; the former, called stearoptene, is an oxi- 
dized compound (C 20 H 12 2 ) and forms four-fifths of the weight of 
the oil ; the latter, or liquid portion, eleoptene is isomeric with oil 
of turpentine (C 20 H l6 ). 

Tlierapeutics. Stimulant aromatic, and carminative ; used 



CYMIJSTUM. 243 

to relieve flatulence, and to diminish the griping of purgative 
medicines. 

Dose. Of the oil, 2 min. to 5 min. 

Foeniculum. Sweet Fennel Fruit. The fruit of Foeniculum dulce 
[vulgare. U. S.], Fennel ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia ; 
grows in most parts of Europe, imported fron Malta. 

The fruit is about three lines long and one broad, elliptical, 
slightly curved, beaked, having eight pale brown longitudinal ribs, 
the two lateral being double. 

Description. The mericarps, often called seeds, are oblong, 
convex on one surface, flat on the other ; many of the meri- 
carps are connected together by their flat surfaces, some single, 
of a dark grayish colour ; footstalks often attached. The oil 
is of a light yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of the 
seeds. 

Prop. & Corny. The oil, which is the active ingredient, is of 
sp. gr. 0*99 ; it consists of two parts, one more volatile than the 
other ; the more solid one named stearoptene, the other eleoptene* 
These appear to have the same composition as the corresponding 
constituents of the oil of anise. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Fceniculi. Fennel Water. (Sweet fennel 
fruit bruised, twenty ounces ; water, two gallons, distil one gal- 
lon.) [Oil of fennel, half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, 
sixty grains ; water, two pints. Rub the oil first with the mag- 
nesia, then with the water, and filter. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Stimulant, aromatic, and carminative ; used to 
relieve flatulence and diminish griping. 

Dose. Of oleum foeniculi, 2 min. to 5 min. ; of aqua fceniculi, 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

Cyminum. (Not officinal.) The fruit of Cuminum cyminum, 
or Cumin ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia ; native of Egypt, 
but cultivated in Malta, Sicily, and other parts of Europe. 

Description. These mericarps are somewhat larger than the 
caraway, concave-convex, with five primary and four secondary 
ridges ; four vittae under the latter, i. e., one under each ; odour, 
peculiar ; taste, warm. 

Prop. & Gomp. Their properties depend on the presence of 



244 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

a volatile oil, which is of a yellow colour, and lighter than water ; 
consisting of cymol (C 20 H 14 ) and cuminol (C 20 H 12 2 ) ; the former 
the more volatile. 

Therapeutics. Action the same as that of the other carminative 
fruits and oils ; very seldom used. 

Coriandrum. Coriander. The ripe dried fruit of Coriandrum 
sativum, Coriander seeds ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia ; 
native of Italy, cultivated in England, and naturalized in most 
parts of Europe. 

Oleum Coriandri. Oil of Coriander. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
The oil distilled in England from coriander. 

Description. — Of the fruit. The fruit is of a globular form, 
beaked, finely ribbed, yellowish brown, nearly as large as white 
pepper, consisting of two adherent carpels which are readily sepa- 
rated ; odour and taste, aromatic. 

Prop. & Comp. The oil, which is the active ingredient, is yel- 
lowish, and has the odour of coriander ; but little is known of its 
chemical nature. 

Off. Prep. Coriander is an ingredient of many of the compound 
preparations of the Pharmacopoeia, and oleum coriandri is con- 
tained in the syrupus sennae. 

Therapeutics. Stimulant, aromatic, and carminative ; rarely 
given alone. 

Dose. Of the oil, 2 min. to 5 min. ; of the powdered fruit, 10 
gr. to 30 gr. or more. 

Carui. Caraway. The dried fruit of Carum carui, or Caraway ; 
Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia ; cultivated in England and Ger- 
many. 

Carui Oleum. Oil of Caraway. The oil distilled in England 
from caraway fruit. 

Description. The caraway seeds (mericarps) are slightly curved, 
with fine filiform ridges, and contain a single vitta in each chan- 
nel. The longitudinal ridges of a lighter colour than the interven- 
ing interstices. Colour, brownish, with a peculiar aromatic odour 
and warm taste. The oil is of a pale yellow colour, with the odour 
of the fruit, and a spicy taste. 

Prop. & Comp. The fruit, besides the common constituents of a 



CAROTA. 245 

mericarp, yields the volatile oil, on the presence of which it's medi- 
cinal value depends. The sp. gr. of the oil is 0*946 ; its colour is 
darkened by long keeping. It consists of two liquid portions, the 
unoxidized carvine (C 20 H 16 ), the oxidized carvol (C 2 oH 14 02). 

Off. Prep. Aqua Carui. Caraway Water. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Caraway, bruised, two ounces ; water, two gal- 
lons, distil one gallon.) 

Caraway is contained in many officinal preparations. 

Therapeutics. Caraway is an aromatic, stomachic, and carmina- 
tive, often used as a corrector of flatulence, and as an adjunct to 
other medicines ; the oil is often added to purgative medicines to 
prevent griping. 

Dose. Of the aqua carui, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of oleum carui, 2 
min. to 5 min. 

Anethum. Dill. Fruit of Anethum graveolens, or Dill; [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] Lin. Syst. Pentandria digynia; cultivated 
in England, or imported from middle and southern Europe. 

Anethi Oleum. Oil of Dill. Oil distilled in England from the 
fruit. 

Description. The seeds (fruit) are of brown colour, oval, some- 
what flattened, about a line and a half in length, convex on one side, 
and concave on the other ; they have five primary ridges, and one 
vitta in each channel. Pale membranous alae. The oil is of a 
pale yellow colour, and aromatic odour ; taste, acrid sweetish. 

Prop. & Comp. Dill owes its peculiar properties to the volatile 
oil. This oil resembles in appearance that of caraway ; its sp. gr 
is 0*881. Its composition is probably analogous to that of the 
other umbelliferous oils. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Anethi. Dill Water. (Bruised dill, twenty 
ounces ; water, two gallons ; let a gallon distil.) 

Therapeutics. Stimulant, aromatic, and carminative : chiefly 
used in the flatulence of infants. 

Dose. Of the aqua anethi, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; for infants, 1 fl. 
drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of oleum anethi, 2 min. to 5 min. 

Carota. (Not officinal.) Recent root of the Daucus carota (var. 
sativa), Carrot; [The fruit of Daucus Carota. IT. S.] Lin. Syst.,. 



246 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Pentandria digynia ; cultivated in the gardens of this country. 
Description. This root is too familiar to need description. 

; Prop. & Comp. It contains, besides a little volatile oil, albu- 
men, salts, &c, a crystallizable substance, Caroline, neutral, of a 
fine red colour ; also pectin, the gelatine of the vegetable kingdom. 
Therapeutics. It is used as a cataplasm to correct the fcetor of 
phagedenic ulcers. It acts probably as a slight stimulant when 
applied in the fresh state to an ulcerated surface. [The seeds are 
carminative and slightly diuretic. They are given in infusion.] 

Sumbul. Musk Root. (Not officinal.) Supposed to be the root 
of an umbelliferous plant, but the plant itself is unknown ; it is 
said to grow in the north and eastern parts of India. It comes 
through Russia and Bombay. It is now said to be the root of 
Nardostachys jatamansi, a valerianaceous plant, the true spike- 
nard of the ancients. 

Description. The drug as obtained in this country is in circu- 
lar pieces, consisting of transverse sections of the root three or 
four inches in diameter. The epidermis of a light brown colour, 
wrinkled ; the inner substance consists of coarse irregular fibres, 
easily separated : on looking at a transverse section, it appears 
porous through the greater part of its diameter, and the bundles 
of fibres are loosely packed together. The odour is strong and 
musk-like, hence its name. 

Prop. <& Comp. It yields, on distillation, a volatile oil, resin, 
starch, and an acid capable of crystallization, named sumbulic acid. 

Prep. It is given in substance, in powder, or pills ; also as tinc- 
ture (two ounces of root to sixteen fluid ounces of proof spirit, or 
spirit of ether). 

Therapeutics. It appears to be a nervine stimulant, similar in 
its action to valerian. In Russia it has been used in cholera, and 
febrile diseases of a typhoid or adynamic type. It has been re- 
commended in epilepsy, chorea, and other nervous disorders, and 
its use is said to be attended with much benefit in cases of delirium 
tremens. Its action requires further investigation. 

Dose. Of the tincture, i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of the powder 
•20 gr. to 60 gr. 



QUISLE SULPHAS. 247 

CAPRIFOLIACEJE. 

Sambucus. Elder Flower. The recent flower of Sambucus niger, 
[Sambucus canadensis. U. S.] Lin. Syst., Petandria trigynia ; 
indigenous. 

Description, The flowers are small, white, having a peculiar 
odour, in five-parted cymes. 

Prop. & Comjp. They yield on distillation a volatile oil, to the 
presence of which they owe their odour. Their active ingredients 
are soluble in water ; no peculiar crystallizable principle has been 
obtained from them ; they contain ingredients common to most 
flowers. 

Of. Prep. Aqua Sambuci. Elder-Flower Water. [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] (Elder flowers, ten pounds ; water, two gallons. 
Let a gallon distil.) 

Therapeutics. The flowers are gently stimulant in their action, 
and are used as a topical application, in the form of ointment, 
made by heating the flowers in hot lard ; the water is employed 
as a pleasant vehicle for the exhibition of medicines or for lotions. 
The inner bark of the elder tree possesses hydragogue and cath- 
artic powers, and has been used with success to remove the fluid in 
dropsies. It may be given in the form of decoction, the strength 
being about four ounces to the pint ; of this, two to four ounces 
may be given as a dose. 

Pose. Of aqua sambuci, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
[The properties of the Sambucus canadensis appear to be iden- 
tical with those of Sambucus niger.] 

CINCHONACE^l. 

Cinchona flava. Yellow Bark. From Cinchona calisaya. 

Cinchona pallida. Pale or Brown Bark. From Cinchona con- 
daminea. 

Cinchona rubra, Red Bark. From Cinchona succirubra. [The 
bark of an undetermined species of Cinchona called in commerce 
Red Bark, and yielding not less than two per cent, of alkaloids 
containing crystallizable salts. U. S.] 

Quiniae Sulphas. Sulphate of Quina. A crystalline salt, pre- 



248 MATERIA MEDICA. 

pared from the bark of Cinchona flava (calisaya), and from the 
bark of Cinchona lancifolia. Mutis. 

All the different species of Cinchona belong, in the Linnaean 
system, to Pentandria monogynia, and inhabit the Andes, chiefly 
on the eastern face of the Cordilleras, from 4,000 to 12,000 feet 
above the sea, and extending from 10° of North latitude to 20° 
of South latitude, growing therefore in Peru, Bolivia, and Colum- 
bia. Dr. Karsten gives the following description of the locality 
favourable to the growth of Cinchona : — " The cinchonae which 
are rich in alkaloids inhabit the peculiar cloudy region of the 
Andes, in which, during the rainy season, which continues for 
nine months in the year, a steady rain is only interrupted during 
the day by short gleams of sunshine, interchanging with clouds 
and mist ; whilst in that part of the year which answers to our 
winter, cold nights, in which the temperature of the air descends 
to freezing point, are followed by days in which the rays of the 
sun, piercing here and there, through the thick clouds, raise the 
temperature to 77° Fah. ; whilst the leaves are kept almost con- 
tinually bedewed by the continual mists. Ravines stretching up- 
wards into the grass-covered region, and filled with forest vegeta- 
tion, are the channels by which the streams of air ascend, when 
the mid-day sun warms the leafy covering of the mountain side. 
Here the mist first begins to form, when the strata of warm air, 
containing much aqueous vapour, mix with the colder atmospheric 
currents descending from the icy summits, and there ensues a 
frequently-repeated alternation of thick mist, which entirely be- 
dews the surface of plants, and of warm sunbeams, which dry and 
warm the moistened leaves. This lasts till late in afternoon, when 
misty clouds overspread the whole district, until they are con- 
densed by the cold of the night, to be again raised into vapour 
by the morning sun. This is the peculiar climate of those Cin- 
chonae which are rich in organic bases." Endeavours are now 
being made to cultivate the more important species of cinchona 
plants in India (Neilgherries), Ceylon, Java, Jamaica, and Trinidad. 

Description. Until recently great doubt existed as to the 
origin of the different kinds of cinchona barks, but the recent 
researches of Weddel have thrown much light upon the subject; 
still the tree or trees from which red bark is obtained is involved 
in mystery. 



QUINLE SULPHAS. 249 

Cinchona jiava, or true yellow bark, which has been shown by 
Weddel to be obtained from Cinchona oalisaya (of which there 
are at least two varieties, vera and Josephiana, the latter a shrub), 
occurs in two forms, in quills or flat pieces ; the former, the quills, 
are from 6 to 18 inches in length, and from 1 to 3 inches in 
diameter, with a thickness varying from \ to -J- of an inch. The 
quills are generally single, and the bark is covered with a brown 
epidermis, mottled with white or yellowish lichens, and marked 
with longitudinal wrinkles and transverse or circular fissures. 
The latter, or flat pieces, are more fibrous, denuded of the epider- 
mis, and of a cinnamon colour. Both varieties are very bitter 
in taste, and break with a fibrous fracture and the escape of 
a powder. 

Cinchona calisaya inhabits the forests of southern Peru. 
Yellow bark is rich in quinine ; and 100 grains should yield 
not less than 2 grains of quinia. 

Cinchona pallida, pale Brown or Loxa bark, is the produce of 
Cinchona condaminea ; always occurs in quills, which are single 
or double, from 6 to 15 inches in length, from \ to f inch in 
diameter, and from ft to T V inch in thickness : it is marked 
with longitudinal wrinkles, and tranverse or circular cracks ; the 
epidermis brown or grey, and frequently covered with crustaceous 
and stringy lichens ; the inner surface cinnamon-brown in colour, 
and smooth : the taste is bitter and astringent ; the fracture short 
and not fibrous, except in the larger pieces ; the medium-sized 
quills are most esteemed. 

Cinchona condaminea is found in the forests of Loxa, in the 
Republic of Equador. 

Pale bark yields cinchonia chiefly ; and 200 grains of the bark 
treated in the manner directed in the test for yellow cinchona 
bark, with the substitution of chloroform for ether, should yield 
not less than 2 grains of alkaloids. 

Cinchona rubra, red bark, from Cinchona succiruba, occurs 
in quills or flattened pieces, more frequently the latter ; covered 
with a brownish-red epidermis, rarely white from adherent 
lichens ; occasionally strongly tuberculated on the surface, and 
then termed warty ; internally rough, fibrous, and of a dark red 
chestnut colour ; the taste is very bitter, the fracture finely fibrous 



250 MATERIA MEDICA. 

and red ; the bark varies from about 6 to 24 inches in length, 
and the flattened pieces are sometimes 4 or 5 inches broad, and -| 
inch or more in thickness. 

Cinchona succiruba grows in the forests at the foot of the great 
mountain of Chimborazo. 

Red bark yields quinia and cinchonia in about equal quantities ; 
and 100 grains of the bark, treated in the manner directed in 
the test for Cinchona pallida, should yield not less than 2 grains 
of alkaloids. 

Besides the above-described officinal barks, from which alone 
the pharmaceutic preparations should be made, there are others 
which are at the present day extensively employed for the ex- 
traction of the alkaloids ; among these the most important are 
the orange Carthagena bark and the grey bark. 

Fibrous Carthagena Bark, called also Spongy or Orange 
Carthagena Bark, Bogota, and Coquetta Bark, the produce of 
Cinchona lancifolia (Mutis,) is referred to in the Pharmacopoeia 
as one of the sources of quinine. It occurs in quills or flattened 
pieces, according to the age of the stems from which it is peeled ; 
the surface is often covered with crustaceous lichens, giving it 
a silvery appearance. The bark is characterized by its extremely 
fibrous texture, often breaking with long stringy splinters ; the 
texture is loose and spongy ; the colour, especially of the larger 
pieces, is strongly yellow or sometimes orange ; hence the name. 
The powder is also yellow, with an orange tint. 

This bark yields quinine, much quinidine, also some cinchonine. 

Cinchona lancifolia grows at a great elevation in the forests 
near Bogota, in New Granada, and is now known as Cinchona 
condaminea (var. 6 lancifolia.) 

Cinchona cinerea, silver, grey, or Huanuco Bark formerly 
officinal in the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, is the 
produce of Cinchona micrantha and Cinchona nitida ; it occurs in 
quills, which are in general larger and coarser than those of the 
Brown bark ; with a greyish epidermis, less wrinkled longitudinally 
and less completely cracked transversely ; the smaller quills are 
often twisted spirally ; and on the inner surface the bark is more 
uneven, and of a redder colour than Loxa or Brown bark. The 
produce of Cinchona nitida and Cinchona micrantha are usually 



CINCHONA. 251 

mixed together ; that from the former tree is superior. These 
trees grow in the forests of Cuchero and Huanuco in northern 
Peru. The barks are rich in quinine, quinidine, and cinchonine. 

For the description of other cinchona barks used in commerce 
for the extraction of the alkaloids, the reader is referred to more 
extended works on the subject, especially to the article cinchona, 
the last effort of the late Dr. Pereira and Howard's illustrations. 

Prop. & Comp. The different barks are closely allied to each 
other in composition : they all contain acid and alkaline prin- 
ciples peculiar to the genus Cinchona, together with other mat- 
ters common to many kinds of barks. The acids of the cinchona 
barks are as follows : 

Quinic or Kinic Acid (2 HO, C 28 H 20 O 20 ) can be crystallized in 
oblique rhombic prisms, resembling tartaric acid in appearance ; 
soluble in water, and acid in taste ; less soluble in alcohol, and 
very sparingly soluble in ether ; it yields a yellow, crystallizable 
pungent, sublimate, Icinone (C 12 H 4 4 ) when distilled with some 
oxidizing agents. 

Cmcho-tannic Acid (C 28 H 19 17 ?) differs from ordinary tannin 
or tannic acid, in precipitating the persalts of iron, green, and 
rapidly absorbing oxygen, especially when united with an alkali. 

Med Cinchonic supposed to be produced by the oxidation of 
cincho-tannic acid ; a red substance, hence its name ; almost in- 
soluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, alkalies, and acids ; 
the solutions have a deep red colour. 

Kinovic Acid found in many kinds of barks ; in its chemical 
characters it somewhat resembles stearic acid ; its solutions 
precipitate copper green, a reaction employed as a test of its 
presence. 

Quinia or Quinine (C 40 H 24 N 2 4 ), or with 6 equivalents of 
water when crystallized, the most important alkaloid contained in 
the barks, exists in the largest quantities in Calisaya bark ; when 
pure, it is white, crystallizing with some difficulty as the hydrate ; 
soluble in about 350 parts of cold water, 60 parts of ether, and 
very soluble in alcohol ; fuses, when heated, into a resinous mass ; 
forms salts with acids, and its solutions exhibit a fluorescent ap- 
pearance, and when treated with excess of chlorine water and 
ammonia afterwards added, a dark emerald-green liquid is pro- 



252 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

duced. Quinia forms crystallizable salts with acids ; the best 
known is the officinal salt, Quinise Sulphas or sulphate of Quinine. 

Cmchonia or Cinchonine (C 40 H 24 N 2 2 ), an alkaloid contained 
chiefly in the pale varieties of bark, it readily crystallizes from 
its alcoholic solution in brilliant colourless four-sided prisms ; it 
is almost insoluble in water and ether, and requires about 30 
parts of rectified spirit to dissolve it ; unites with acids, and 
forms soluble salts, the solutions of which are not fluorescent, and 
do not give the green colour with chlorine and ammonia, but 
merely become light brownish-yellow. 

Quinidina or Quinidine, a third alkaloid, contained in many of 
the cinchona barks, especially in those of New Granada, and iso- 
meric with quinine (C 40 H 24 N 2 4 ), with '4 equivalents of water 
when crystallized, occurs, when pure, in white prisms, readily crys- 
tallizing from alcohol, and also when precipitated from the watery 
solutions of its salts, by means of an alkali ; it is very bitter, but 
less intensely so than quinia, and its solutions are fluorescent : it 
is much less soluble in water than quinia, and less soluble in 
ether, and its sulphate is also much more soluble than that of 
quinia, much less so than that of cinchonia. The solutions of quini- 
dine, when treated with chlorine water and ammonia, show the 
emerald-green appearance, as in the case of quinine. 

Ginchonidina or Cinchonidine ,(C 4( j H 24 N 2 2 ), a fourth alka- 
loid, found in cinchona barks, and isomeric with cinchonine, occurs 
in hard, brilliant, striated, rhomboidal prisms, which are anhy- 
drous, and insoluble in ether ; it forms crystallizable salts, the 
solutions are fluorescent, but when treated with chlorine water, 
and subsequently with ammonia, do not give rise to the emerald- 
green colour. 

M. Pasteur, from an examination of quinine, quinidine, cin- 
chonine, and cinchonidine, finds that quinine, by being carefully 
heated in the form of a salt, as the tartrate, is changed into an 
isomeric body, quinicine, and cinchonine, under like circum- 
stances, into cinchonicine, substances similar to them, but amor- 
phous ; and he also finds that quinidine and cinchonidine are 
converted into the same isomeric substances, quinicine and cin- 
chonicine. According to Pasteur, quinine and quinidine strike 
green with chlorine and ammonia, but cinchonine or cinchonidine 



QUISLE SULPHAS. 253 

do not. and the alkaloid, usually designated quinidine commonly, 
consists chiefly of cinchonidine. 

The following are the relations in which the four alkaloids and 
their isomeric modifications stand in regard to their action upon 
polarized light. 

Quinine turns the plane of polarization powerfully to the left hand. 

Cinchonidine " " " 

Cinchonine turns the plane of polarization strongly to the right 

hand. 
Quinidine " 

Both quinicine and cinchonicine turn the plane of polarization 

feebly to the right hand. 

An alkaloid aricine (C 20 H 12 N0 3 ?) was found by Pelletier in 
arica ; it has not, however, been rediscovered, and some doubts 
exist with regard to it. It is stated to crystallize in needles, to 
be soluble in ether, and give an intense green colour with nitric 
acid. Guibourt has obtained cinchonia, not aricina, from the 
same bark. 

The substance known by the name of quinoidine consists of 
resinous and colouring matters, with the above alkaloids more or 
less changed by the processes to which they have been subjected ; 
it is obtained from the liquors from which the sulphate of quina 
has been crystallized ; it was from this substance that Liebig 
obtained his amorphous quinine, which bears the same relation 
to the crystallized alkaloid as uncrystallizable syrup does to ordi- 
nary sugar ; probably it is closely allied to quinicine. 

The salts of the cinchona alkaloids commonly used in medicine 
are as follows : — 

Quinle Sulphas. Sulphate of Quinia (C 40 H 24 N 2 4 , HO, S0 3 
+ 7 HO), it occurs in snow-white feathery crystals, requiring for 
solution about 60 parts of strong spirit, and 750 parts of water ; 
and the watery solution, treated with chlorine, and ammonia, 
gives the green test before noticed, and also exhibits fluorescence ; 
it has all the characters of a neutral salt. For the adulterations, 
&c, of sulphate of quinia, see page 261. 

Prep. The following are the directions given for the prepa- 
ration of the sulphate in the British Pharmacopoeia : u Take of 
yellow cinchona bark, in coarse powder, one pound ; hydrochloric 



254 MATEE1A MEDIOA. 

acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency ; solution of 
soda, four pints ; dilute sulphuric acid, a sufficiency. Dilute the 
hydrochloric acid with ten pints of the water. Place the cinchona 
bark in a porcelain basin, and add to it as much of the dilute sul- 
phuric acid as will render it thoroughly moist. After maceration, 
with occasional stirring for twenty-four hours, place the bark in a 
displacement apparatus, and percolate with the diluted hydrochlo- 
ric acid, until the solution which drops through is nearly destitute 
of a bitter taste. Into this liquid pour the solution of soda, agi- 
tate well, let the precipitate completely subside, decant the super- 
natant fluid, collect the precipitate on a filter, and wash it with 
cold distilled water, until the washings cease to have colour. 
Transfer the precipitate to a porcelain dish containing a pint of 
distilled water, and applying to this a steam heat, gradually add 
dilute sulphuric acid until very nearly the whole of the precipitate 
has been dissolved, and a neutral liquid has been obtained. Filter 
the solution while hot through paper, wash the filter with boiling 
distilled water, concentrate till a film forms on the surface of the 
solution, and set it aside to crystallize. The crystals should be 
dried on filtering paper without the application of heat." 

[" Take of yellow cinchona, in coarse powder, forty-eight 
troy ounces ; muriatic acid, three troy ounces and a half ; lime, in 
fine powder, five troy ounces ; animal charcoal, in fine powder, 
sulphuric acid, alcohol, water, distilled water, each, a sufficient 
quantity. Boil the cinchona in thirteen pints of water, mixed 
with one-third of the muriatic acid, and strain, through muslin. 
Boil the residue twice successively with the same quantity of water 
and acid as before, and strain, mix the decoctions, and, while 
the liquid is hot, gradually add the lime, previously mixed with 
two pints of water, stirring constantly, until the quinia is com- 
pletely precipitated. Wash the precipitate with distilled water, 
and, having pressed, dried, and powdered it, digest it with boiling 
alcohol. Pour off the liquid, and repeat the digestion several 
times until the alcohol is no longer rendered bitter. Mix the 
liquids, and distil off the alcohol until a brown viscid mass re- 
mains. Upon this, transferred to a suitable vessel, pour four pints 
of distilled water, and, having heated the mixture to the boiling 
point, add as much sulphuric acid as may be necessary to dissolve 
the quinia. Then add a troy ounce and a half of animal charcoal, 



ClNCHOTODIlSriE SULPHAS. 255 

boil the liquid for two minutes, filter while hot, and set it aside to 
crystallize. Should the liquid, before filtration, be entirely neu- 
tral, acidulate it very slightly with sulphuric acid. Should it, on 
the contrary, change the colour of litmus paper to a bright red, 
add more animal charcoal. Separate the crystals from the liquid, 
dissolve them in boiling distilled water slightly acidulated with 
sulphuric acid, add a little animal charcoal, filter the solution, and 
set aside to crystallize. Lastly, dry the crystals on bibulous 
paper, with a gentle heat, and keep them in a well stopped bottle. 
The mother water may be made to yield an additional quantity 
of sulphate of quiniae by precipitating the quinia with water of 
ammonia, and treating the precipitated alkaloid with distilled 
water, sulphuric acid, and animal charcoal as before." U. SJ 

Cinchonle Sulphas, or Sulphate of Cinchonia (C 40 H 24 N 2 O 2 , 
HO, SO3 + 2 HO), occurs in prisms, often of considerable size, re- 
quiring for solution about 6 parts of strong spirit and 54 parts of 
water : the solution is not fluorescent, and does not give the test 
with chlorine and ammonia. 

Quinidble Sulphas, or Sulphate of Quinidine (C 40 H 24 N 2 O 4 , 
HO, SO3 + 6 HO), in acicular shining crystals, requiring 2 parts of 
spirit and 130 parts of water for solution ; the solution is fluores- 
cent, and gives the green colour with chlorine and ammonia. 

Cinchonidinje Sulphas. Sulphate of cinchonidine (C 40 H 24 
JST 2 2 HO, SO3) crystallizes in stellate groups of silky needles, solu- 
ble in water ; the solution is fluorescent, but does not give the 
green colour when treated with chlorine and ammonia. 

Besides the above salts, Valerianate of Quina (described 
under Valerian), Citrate of Iron and Quinine (described 
under Iron Salts), and Arseniate of Quinine are occasionally 
employed in medicine, but their special value is somewhat 
doubtful. The cinchona alkaloids also form with acids salts 
which are acid in reaction, and when the ordinary sulphates 
are administered, dissolved in excess of acid, as they usually are, 
such salts are produced. 

Tartrates, phosphates, citrates, tannates of the cinchona alkaloids 
have been occasionally proposed as remedial agents ; and the hy- 
dro-chlorate of cinchonine has lately been employed in medicine. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Yellow Cinchona Bark. Decoctum Cinchona 



256 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Flavje. Decoction of Yellow Cinchona Bark. (Yellow bark, in 
coarse powder, one ounce ; distilled water, one pint, reduced to 
sixteen fluid ounces by boiling.) [A troy ounce of yellow Cin- 
chona is boiled for fifteen minutes in a pint of water, strained, and 
enough water added through the strainer to make the decoction 
measure a pint. U. S.] 

Extractum Cinchonjs Flav.e Liquidum. Liquid Extract of 
Yellow Cinchona. (Yellow cinchona bark, in coarse powder, one 
pound ; distilled water, a sufficient quantity ; rectified spirit, one 
fluid ounce, prepared by maceration, percolation, subsequent evap- 
oration (at a temperature not exceeding 160°) to three fluid 
ounces, or until the specific gravity of the liquid is 1*2. When 
cold add the spirit. The specific gravity should be about 1*1.) 
Four fluid ounces represent one pound of the bark. 

[Extractum Cinchonas Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Cinchona. 
U. S. Yellow Cinchona, sixteen troy ounces ; sugar, twenty troy 
ounces ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Four pints of tinc- 
ture are obtained by percolation ; this is evaporated by means of 
a water bath to two pints, the sugar added, the whole again evap- 
orated to two pints and strained while hot.] 

Infusum Cinchona Flav^e. Infusion of Yellow Bark. (Yel- 
low cinchona bark, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; boiling dis- 
tilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 

[Infusum Cinchonas Flavas. Infusion of Yellow Bark. U. S. 
Yellow Cinchona, in powder, a troy ounce ; aromatic sulphuric 
acid, a fluid drachm ; water, a sufficient quantity. The aromatic 
sulphuric acid is added to a pint of water. The powder, moist- 
ened with half a fluid ounce of the mixture, is percolated with the 
remainder of it, and afterwards with water, until the filtered liquid 
measures a pint] 

[Infusum Cinchonas Rubras. Infusion of Red Cinchona. U. S. 
The same as Infusum Cinchonas Flavas.] 

Tinctura Cinchona Flav^j. Tincture of Yellow Bark. (Yel- 
low cinchona, in coarse powder, four ounces ; proof spirit, one 
pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

[Tinctura Cinchonas. U. S. Two pints of tincture are prepared 
by percolating six troy ounces of yellow bark, with diluted alco- 
hol so as to obtain two pints of tincture.] 



TINCTURA CINCHONA COMPOSITE. 257 

Of ike Pale Baric. Tinctura Cinchona Composite. Com- 
pound Tincture of Cinchona. (Pale cinchona bark, in coarse pow- 
der, two ounces ; bitter orange peel, cut small and bruised, one 
ounce ; serpentary, bruised, half an ounce ; saffron, sixty grains ; 
cochineal in powder, thirty grains ; proof spirit, one pint. Pre- 
pared by maceration and percolation.) 

[Tinctura Cinchonse Composita. U. S. Red Cinchona in mod- 
erately fine powder, four troy ounces ; orange peel, in powder, 
three troy ounces ; serpentaria, in powder, three hundred and sixty 
grains ; saffron, in powder, red saunders, in powder, each one hun- 
dred and twenty grains. Percolated with diluted alcohol so as to 
form two and a half pints of tincture.] 

Of Quinia. Tinctura Quinia Composita. Compound Tinc- 
ture of Quinine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Sulphate of quinia, 
one hundred and sixty grains : tincture of orange peel, twenty fluid 
ounces.) One fluid drachm contains a grain of sulphate of quinia. 

Therapeutics. Cinchona barks owe their efficacy chiefly to the 
alkaloids contained in them, but some influence is also exercised 
by the cincho-tannic acid and red cinchonic, which produce a slight 
difference of action between the barks and the alkaloids derived 
from them. Given in small doses, bark causes an increase of ap- 
petite, especially in weak patients, and at the same time improves 
the condition of the muscular and nervous systems ; hence the im- 
provement of the blood and general health ; it may, therefore, be 
well designated a tonic. Its power in bracing up the system is 
also seen in the check given to the colliquative sweating occurring 
in extreme debility. Bark also produces a peculiar influence upon 
the nervous system, which is exhibited in the extraordinary power 
which it possesses of arresting the progress of certain diseases, 
characterised by a periodical recurrence of their symptoms, as 
ague, the different forms of neuralgia, and certain inflammatory 
affections : how this effect is produced is at present unknown. 
Bark acts likewise as an astringent, and this property, combined 
with the tonic and anteperiodic powers, is often of much thera- 
peutic value. 

In large doses bark causes disagreeable, and sometimes serious 
symptoms, as thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting, 
headache, throbbings in the head, noise in the ears, and occasion- 
ally deafness and coma. 
18 



258 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

Bark may be advantageously employed in many diseases. 

In atonic dyspepsia, as a stomachic, bark is most valuable in 
cases where the indigestion results from a want of tone in the 
general system, such as occasionally occurs in the convalescence 
from acute diseases, and in some forms of gastrodynia of a neu- 
ralgic and intermittent character. 

In atonic conditions of the general system, as a tonic, to improve 
the tone of the muscles, check too great perspiration and abnor- 
mal mucous discharges if present . it is useful also in scrofula and 
other forms of cachexia, and in gangrene arising from want of tone 
in the habit ; also in some low forms of chronic inflammation. 

It is, however, in intermittent fevers that its efficacy is most 
strongly marked, and perhaps no remedy in the list of the Materia 
Medica has obtained such repute in the treatment of these fevers. 
Bark may be given in two ways ; either in a very large djose, a 
short time before the expected paroxysm, or in small doses, fre- 
quently continued, during the whole of the interval between the 
paroxysms : sometimes the first method is at once effectual, but 
there is some fear of producing unpleasant symptoms from the 
amount of the dose ; the second method is also, as a rule, quite 
successful, and without hazard. 

Bark has been found useful in all the different varieties of quo- 
tidian, tertian and quartan agues, and also in the remittent fevers 
occurring in hot and damp climates, as on some parts of the coast 
of Africa, &c. In continued fevers its value is questionable. 

Externally bark acts as an astringent and antiseptic : it is 
sometimes made use of as an application to unhealthy ulcers, 
sprinkled in the form of powder on the part, also in the form of 
gargle in putrid sore throats, and applied to spongy gums as a 
dentifrice. 

Action of the Cinchona Acids. 

Cinchotannic acid and red cinchonic produce the same 
astringent effects upon the system as tannic and gallic acids. 
The action of Jcinic and hinovic acids is unknown. 

Action of the Cinchona Alkaloids. 
Quinia, or any salt of this alkaloid, produces all the effects 
of yellow cinchona bark, except that it is not astringent ; it may 



QUIXOTE. 259 

be given in all cases where bark is indicated — generally with 
some advantage over bark itself, on account of the smallness of 
the dose required, and its little liability to disturb the stomach ; 
the only exceptions would be, cases of great debility of the system, 
with excessive weakness of the circulation and increased secre- 
tions ; in these the pharmaceutic preparations of cinchona barks 
appear at times to be preferable. 

Cinchonia is generally supposed to have a similar action to 
quinia, differing only in degree, being regarded as much weaker : 
that it possesses antiperiodic powers is undoubted, whether equal 
to quinia, or not, requires still to be determined. The author has 
had abundant evidence to prove that peculiar effects often result 
from cinchonia salts, which are not produced by the same amount 
of the corresponding salts of quinia. 

Quinidine appears to act in the same way as quinia, but whether 
equal in power has not yet been determined. 

Cinchonidine probably acts in the same manner as cinchonine, 
but a further investigation of its powers is required. 

Action of the different hinds of Cinchona Barlcs. 

No very well marked difference in the action of the different 
barks has yet been established : there can be no doubt, however, 
that their effects depend on the alkaloids contained in them, and 
consequently any peculiarity of the bark would be that of the 
prevailing alkaloid. 

As a rule, quinia exists in large quantities in yellow bark, 
cinchona in pale barks, and the red bark is stated to contain 
about equal amounts of the two alkaloids. Quinidine and cinchon- 
idine are more especially found in the Carthagena barks. Accord- 
ing to the results of recent examinations, collected in the form of a 
table by the late Dr. Pereira, 

Yellow or Calisaya barks yield from 2*5 to 3*8 per cent, of 
quinine ; 

Pale or Loxa barks, from about 0*7 to 1*4 per cent, of alkaloids 
chiefly cinchonine or quinidine, with a little quinine ; 

Best red barks, 2*6 per cent, of quinine, and 1*5 per cent, of 
cinchonine ; 

Gray or Huanuco barks, from 1*7 to 2*1 per cent, of alkaloids, 



260 MATEKIA MED1CA. 

chiefly consisting of cinclionine and quinidine, with occasionally 
some quinine. 

Dose. Of any cinchona bark, in powder, 10 gr. to 60 gr. ; 
of the decoction 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. j of the infusions, 1 fl. oz. 
to 2 fl. oz. ; of the liquid extract of yellow cinchona, 10 min. to 

1 fl. dnn ; of the tinctures (simple or compound), 1 fl. drm. to 

2 fl. drm. ; of sulphate of quinine, 1 gr. to 10 gr., or even 20 
gr. ; of compound tincture of quinine, 1 drm. to 2 drm. ; of sul- 
phate of cinchonine, 1 gr. to 10 gr. ; of sulphate of quinidine 
1 gr. to 20 gr. ; of sulphate of cinchonidine, 1 gr. to 10 gr. J 
of hydroehlorate of cinchonine 1 gr. to 10 gr. 

In intermittents, or when the dose of bark is required to be 
large, the salts of quinia or cinchonia are preferred ; powdered 
bark was formerly given in such cases, but it is apt to disagree 
with the stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting ; the liquid 
extract might be made use of, but their strength is by no means 
equivalent to the amount of bark made use of in their preparation , 
and the same holds good of all the pharmaceutic preparations 
made with water, the solvent powers of that fluid being unequal 
to abstract all the principles from the bark. 

Adulteration of Cinchona Barks. Inferior non-officinal cin- 
chona barks may be substituted for the officinal, and barks of 
other species may be sold for those of the genus cinchona ; these 
are distinguished by their physical characters, and by finding the 
presence and amount of the cinchona alkaloids contained in them. 
The structure of the bark also affords some test of its value, for 
it has been found that the bark which exhibits when fractured 
a homogeneous texture, with a large amount of short fusiform 
ligneous fibres, uniformly distributed in the cellular tissue, contains 
a large amount of quinine ; this is the character of true Calisaya 
barks. Barks rich in quinine generally contain much lime, and 
the strong infusions are precipitated by sulphate of soda ; which 
is not the case with the barks yielding cinchonine. The same 
holds good with regard to the amount of tannin. Many methods 
of ascertaining the per-centage of alkaloids have been proposed ; 
the following is the method given in the Pharmacopoeia for the 
examination of yellow cinchona bark : — One hundred grains of 
the bark are reduced to powder and thoroughly exhausted by 



QUmJOTE. 261 

maceration and percolation, with water acidulated with hydrochloric 
acid. To this solution, subacetate of lead is added until all the 
colouring matter is removed, care being taken to keep the fluid 
acid. The precipitate is removed by filtration, and to the filtrate 
caustic potash, enough to redissolve the precipitate which is 
at first formed, is added, and the solution then well shaken with 
successive quantities of ether, until a drop of the ether evaporated 
to dryness yields no perceptible residue. The ethereal solutions 
are then evaporated to dryness, and the residue, which consists 
of nearly pure quinia and should be readily soluble in dilute 
sulphuric acid, is weighed. Pale and red barks are tested in 
a similar manner, with the substitution of chloroform for ether 
in the process. 

Of Sulphate of Quinine. On account of the high price of this 
salt, many adulterations have been practised. Sulphates of cincho- 
nine, quinidine, and cinchonidine, salicine, sugar of milk, cane 
sugar, mannite, starch, and stearic acid, form the most frequent 
organic adulterations ; and sulphate of lime, precipitated to imi- 
tate the quinia salt, chalk, magnesia, and boracic acid, are among 
the most frequent inorganic additions. These latter, with the 
exception of boracic acid, are readily detected by their not dis- 
solving in alcohol, and by heating the suspected salt on a piece of 
platinum foil, where they leave an ash, the nature of which can 
be ascertained by the ordinary tests : the organic impurities are 
more difficult of detection ; cinchonine, cinchonidine and quinine 
can be discovered by their different solubilities in water, alcohol, 
and ether ; salicine, by the blood-red colour produced by sulphuric 
acid ; the sugars, by the solution of the salt, after the precipita- 
tion of the alkaloids by means of an alkali, being sweet ; starch, 
by its striking blue with iodine ; and stearic acid, by not dissolv- 
ing in dilute acids. Boracic acid, if present, gives to its alcoho- 
lic solution the property of imparting a green tinge to flame. 
The British Pharmacopoeia gives the following quantitative test : 
— Ten grains with ten minims of diluted sulphuric acid and half 
a fluid ounce of water form a perfect solution, from which ammonia 
throws down a white precipitate. This redissolves on agitating 
the whole with half a fluid ounce of pure ether, without the pro- 
duction of any crystalline matter floating on the lower of the two 
strata, into which the agitated fluid separates on rest. The upper 



262 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

stratum of fluid, if entirely removed by a pipette and evaporated 
leaves a white residue, which, when dried in the air without heat, 
weighs 8 '6 grains. 

Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan or Ipecacuanha. The dried root 
Cephaelis ipecacuanha ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; 
growing chiefly in the Brazils, and sent from Rio Janeiro. 

Description. Annulated or Brazilian ipecacuan, as it is named 
to distinguish it from another kind, called striated or Peruvian 
ipecacuan, the produce of Psychotria emetica, is in the form of con- 
torted pieces, from two to four inches in length, about the size of a 
small quill, knotted, having very deep circular fissures extending 
down to the woody axis or meditullium, and giving the appear- 
ance of a series of brownish or ash-coloured rings, strung on a 
white cord. The odour of ipecacuanha is slight, but disagreeable ; 
the taste bitter, aromatic, and slightly acrid : it breaks easily, 
with a resinous fracture. The active ingredients chiefly reside in 
the cortex. The powder of ipecacuan is pale brown. 

Prop. & Comp. Ipecacuan contains a feeble alkaloid, emetina 
(C 35 H 25 N0 9 ?), separable as a whitish or yellowish amorphous 
powder, of a bitter taste, soluble in alcohol, sparingly so in water 
and ether, and precipitated by tannin ;. also a peculiar acid, 
cephaelic or ipecacuanha acid, allied to catechin, formerly thought 
to be gallic acid, and striking green with the persalts of iron ; 
gum, starch, fatty or oily matter, are also present in the root. 
Water, spirit, and wine take up the active part, namely, the salt 
of emetina. 

Off. Prep. Pulvis Ipecacuanha cum Opio. Powder of 
Ipecacuan and Opium ; formerly Compound Ipecacuanha Powder ; 
Dover's powder. (Powdered ipecacuan, half an ounce ; powdered 
opium, half an ounce ; powdered sulphate of potash, four ounces.) 
One grain of opium and one of ipecacuan are contained in ten 
grains of this powder. 

Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanha. Morphia and Ipeca- 
cuana Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of 
morphia, twenty grains ; ipecacuan, in fine powder, 60 gr. ; tinc- 
ture of Tolu, sugar, gum arabic, and water, to form a mass to be 
divided into seven hundred and twenty lozenges. Each lozenge 
contains -fa grain of morphia salt, and T V grain of ipecacuan.) 



IPECACUANHA. 263 

[Trochisci Ipecacuanha. Troches of Ipecacuanha. U. S. Ipe- 
cacuanha, half a troy ounce ; arrow root, four troy ounces ; sugar, 
fourteen troy ounces ; mucilage of tragacanth, a sufficient quan- 
tity. To be made into a mass and divided into troches, each 
weighing ten grains. Each troche contains J of a grain of Ipecac- 
uanha.] 

Ytnum Ipecacuanhas. Ipecacuanha Wine. (Bruised ipecac- 
uan, one ounce ; sherry wine, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by 
maceration.) [U. S. A troy ounce to a pint. Prepared by per- 
colation.] 

Therapeutics. Ipecacuan in large medicinal doses acts as an 
emetic, not so speedy as sulphate of zinc or mustard ; at the same 
time it is more depressing, but less so, however, than tartar emetic : 
in smaller doses, short of inducing either nausea or vomiting, it 
becomes absorbed and acts upon the different mucous surfaces, 
especially of the respiratory passages and of the alimentary canal, 
and is, therefore, expectorant, and sometimes laxative j it also acts 
upon the skin as a diaphoretic. Ipecacuan is well suited for an 
emetic in chest affections accompanied with fever, as in bronchitis, 
phthisis, and croup, in which the after-expectorant effect is of great 
service ; also to unload the stomach in dyspepsia when of an in- 
flammatory character. As an expectorant, it is used in the various 
forms of bronchitic disease ; on account of its action on the ali- 
mentary canal, it is of value in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, 
for which it was at one time held in great estimation ; it is also at 
times a useful adjunct to purgative medicines. As a diaphoretic 
in the form of Dover's powder, it is frequently employed in catar- 
rhal affections ; the combination with opium appears to increase its 
sudorific action. 

Ipecacuan has also been given in agues before the paroxysm, to 
prevent or cut it short ; and, on account of the sedative effect on 
the vascular system which follows the nausea, in haemorrhages of 
various kinds. Some individuals are peculiarly susceptible of the 
influence of ipecacuan, the effluvia from the powdered drug being 
sufficient to cause sneezing, cough, and a species of asthma. 

Dose. Of ipecacuan (powdered) as an emetic, 15 gr. to 30 gr. ; 
as an expectorant, &c. J gr. to 2 gr. ; of vinum ipecacuanhae, as an 
emetic, 3 fl. drm. to 6 fl. drm. ; as an expectorant, 5 min. to 40 



264 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

min. The dose of pulv. ipecacuanhas cum opio depends on the 
amount of opium desirable to administer rather than on the quan- 
tity of ipecacuan. 

Adulteration. Striated ipecacuan above alluded to, and other 
roots, have occasionally been mixed with or substituted for ipe- 
cacuan. 

Caffeine or Theine (not officinal), a principle obtained from coffee, 
or the berry of Caffea arabica, a plant belonging to the order 
Cinchonaceae, contained also in tea from Thea viridis, &c, and 
Paraguay tea from Ilex paraguensis, likewise in Paulinia sorbi- 
lis, and other plants, used by different nations to form beverages. 

When pure, Caffeine or Theine forms beautiful silky prisms, 
soluble in water, alcohol, and ether ; it is precipitated by tannin, 
and sublimes when heated. Composition (C 16 H 10 N 4 4 + 2 HO). 

Given internally, caffeine or a strong infusion containing it acts 
powerfully upon the nervous system, producing restlessness, palpi- 
tation of the heart, and other nervous symptoms. Caffeine also 
appears to possess the power of checking, in some measure, the 
changes or metamorphoses of the animal body, shown by the 
diminished formation of urea, which takes place under its employ- 
ment. Coffee and caffeine may be given to relieve stupor from 
the use of opium or other narcotics, in nervous headaches, also to 
arrest the paroxysms of spasmodic asthma, in hooping-cough, and 
in some forms of intermittent affections. The action of caffeine 
requires further investigation, as in the infusions of coffee and tea 
a part of the influence may be due to the other constituents which 
are present. 

Pale Catechu, described under Catechu, is derived from Un- 
caria gamba, a tree belonging to this order. 

VALERJANACEiE. 

Valeriana. Valerian. The root of Valeriana officinalis, dried ; 
Lin. Syst., Triandria monogynia; indigenous and cultivated; 
the wild plant growing on dry soils is to be preferred. 

Description. As met with, it consists of a short rhizome, with 
numerous radicles two or three inches long ; of a light yellowish 
brown colour, a strong characteristic and disagreeable odour, and 
a bitter, acrid, camphoraceous, and nauseous taste. 



VALEBIAJNA. 265 

Prop. & Comp. Valerian root owes its activity to a volatile 
oil and valerianic acid / resinous, extractive, and gummy matters 
are also present. The volatile oil of valerian, sp. gr. 0*94, has a 
light greenish colour, and the odour of valerian ; it consists of 
valerole, and a hydrocarbon, borneene. 

Valerole (C l2 H 10 2 ) is a crystalline body at a low temperature ; 
it forms a blood-red solution with sulphuric acid, and when ex- 
posed to the air, gradually absorbs oxygen, acquires a peculiar 
strong odour, and is converted into valerianic acid. 

Borneene is a hydrocarbon identical with that found in Borneo 
camphor (C 20 H 16 ). 

Valerianic acid (HO, Ci H 9 8 ) can be procured in small 
quantities from valerian root by distillation with very dilute sul- 
phuric acid ; it is an oily liquid, sp. gr. 0*9, with the intense 
odour of valerian ; it forms salts with the metallic bases, most 
of which are crystalline. This acid can also be formed, and 
much more economically, by the oxidation of Fousel oil or amylic 
alcohol. 

Off. Prep. — Of Valerian. Ikpusum Valeriana. Infusion of 
Valerian. (Valerian, bruised, one hundred and twenty grains ; 
boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Valerian in moderately 
coarse powder, half a troy ounce. Prepared by percolating with 
cold water until the filtered liquid measures a pint ; or by mace- 
rating the valerian with a pint of boiling water for two hours 
and straining. U. S.] 

Tinctura Valeriana. Tincture of Valerian. (Valerian, 
bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture 
are prepared by percolating four ounces of valerian with diluted 
alcohol. U. S.] 

Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of 
Valerian. (Valerian, bruised, two ounces and a half : aromatic 
spirit of ammonia, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) 
[Valerian in moderately fine powder, four troy ounces ; aromatic 
spirits of ammonia, two pints. Prepared by maceration. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Valerian acts as a stimulant, and powerful anti- 
spasmodic, and is peculiarly adapted for the treatment of the 
various symptoms occurring in hysterical subjects, as spasm 



266 MATERIA MEDICA. 

hemicrania, globus, palpitation, &c. ; it has also been found useful 
in some cases of chorea, epilepsy, hypochondriasis, and, as an ad- 
junct to tonics, in intermittents. 

Dose. Of valerian in powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr. ; of infusum 
Valerianae, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of tinctura Valerianae, 1 fl. drm. 
to 2 fl. drm. ; of tinctura Valerianae ammoniata, \ fl. drm. to 
\\ fl. drm. 

Valerianate cf Soda. Appendix. 

Prep. Prepared by distilling Fousel oil with a mixture of sul- 
phuric acid and bichromate of potash, and saturating the distilled 
fluid with soda. In this process Fousel oil, which is the alcohol 
of the amyl series, and is represented by the formula Ci H u 0, 
HO, undergoes oxidation by the chronic acid which is set free 
when the sulphuric acid is mixed with bichromate of potash, and 
is converted into valerianic acid, which distils over. This acid 
bears the same relation to Fousel oil, as acetic acid does to ordi- 
nary alcohol, or formic acid to wood spirit or methylic alcohol. 
The fluid containing the valerianate of soda is evaporated to dry- 
ness and the valerianate is fused and allowed to cool. 

Prop. <& Comp. It is presented in dry white masses, not alka- 
line in reaction, evolving an odour of valerian when sulphuric 
acid is added. Its composition is represented by the formula 
NaO, C 10 H 9 3 . 

Therapeutics. Valerianate of soda seems to resemble valerian 
in its action, and may be used in cases where the administration 
of valerian is desirable. It is introduced into the British Pharma- 
copoeia for manufacturing the valerianate of zinc. 

Dose. \ gr. to 2 gr. or more. 

Zinci Valerianas. Valerianate of Zinc. 

Prep. Prepared by mixing a solution of sulphate of zinc and 
valerianate of soda, and separating and purifying the crystals 
which are formed. 

Prop. <& Comp. This salt occurs in pearly crystalline scales, 
with an odour and taste of valerianic acid ; soluble in alcohol and 
hot water ; sparingly so in cold water and ether. Composition 
(Zn 0, C 10 H 9 3 ). Heated to redness in an open crucible it 



inula. 267 

leaves a residue of oxide of zinc, soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, 
and the solution is precipitated white by hydrosulphuret of am- 
monia. This salt has been frequently adulterated, especially with 
sulphate of zinc ; to show the absence of this latter salt, the solu- 
tion of valerianate of zinc in hot water should give no precipitate 
with chloride of barium. When valerianate of zinc is distilled 
with dilute sulphuric acid, the distillate (valerianic acid) when 
mixed with a solution of acetate of copper, should not immediately 
affect the transparency of the fluid, but form after a little time 
oily drops, passing gradually into a bluish- white crystalline de- 
posit : this shows the absence of butyric acid (the butyrate 
of zinc is a common adulteration of the salt as found in com- 
merce). 

Therapeutics. Valerianate of zinc is a nervine tonic and anti- 
spasmodic, and has been given with advantage in cases where the 
combined action of the mental and valerian seems desirable, as in 
chorea, epilepsy, and various neuralgic affections ; it is said also 
to act as an anthelmintic. 

Dose. -J- gr. to 4 gr. ; the dose may be increased till some 
nausea is produced. 

Valerianate of Quinia. (C 40 H 24 N 2 4 , C 10 H 9 3 + 2 HO) 
forms white silky needles, with a strong odour and taste ; soluble 
in alcohol, and sparingly so in water, especially when cold ; it is 
decomposed by heat with the escape of valerianic acid. 

Therapeutics. It is sometimes employed in medicine, but is not 
officinal. It is said to be particularly useful in some forms of in- 
termittent and spasmodic neuralgic affections. 

Dose. 1 gr. to 5 gr. 

Valerianate of iron, and valerianate of ammonia have also been 
used in medicine, and may be given in the same doses as the cor- 
responding salt of zinc. 

COMPOSITE. 

Inula. Elecampane. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The 
root of Inula helenium ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua ; indi- 
genous, growing in damp meadows. 



268 MATERIA MEIUCA. 

Description. A thick elongated root, brown externally, but 
light yellow within, having an aromatic odour and taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Contains a peculiar camphor-like body, hele- 
nine (C 15 H 10 2 ), crystallizing in white needles ; insoluble in 
water ; a bitter extractive, soluble in water ; a peculiar starch, 
striking yellow with iodine, called inulin (C 24 H 21 21 ). Formerly 
it entered as an ingredient into the confection of pepper. 

Tlierapeutics. Stimulant ; thought to be tonic, expectorant, 
and diaphoretic. Seldom used now, was formerly given in the 
exanthemata, coughs, &c. 

Dose. Of the powdered root, 30 gr. to 60 gr., and upwards. 

Pyrethrum. Pellitory. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] 
The root of Anacyclus pyrethrum, or Pellitory of Spain ; Lin. 
Syst., Syngenesia superflua ; growing in Barbary, Spain, and 
the Levant. 

Description . A fusiform root, cut into cylindrical pieces two or 
three inches long, dark brown in colour, spotted black. 

Prop. <& Comp. It contains at least two resins ', one of which 
has been named pyrethric acid ; an acrid oil, and tannin. 

Therapeutics. A topical irritant, causing pricking in the 
mouth and a flow of saliva and buccal mucus ; it is used as a mas- 
ticatory in paralysis of parts about the mouth. 

Absinthium. Wormwood. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in TJ. S. 
^ P.] The flowering herb of Artemisia absinthium ; Lin. Syst., 

Syngenesia superflua ; indigenous, growing in thickets and 

mountainous pl&oes. 

Description. It occurs in bundles of the dried herbs, having a 
silky touch, disagreeable odour, and intensely bitter taste. 

Prop, d? Comp. The plant yields its bitterness to water and 
spirit, and contains a volatile oil (C 20 H 16 2 ), green in colour, with 
the odour of the plant, also a bitter extract yielding absinthine 
(C 16 H n 5 ), and absinthic acid. The absinthine is the bitter 
principle. 

Therapeutics. A powerful bitter stomachic and tonic, useful in 
atonic dyspepsia ; it is also reputed to be anthelmintic. It has 
been lately asserted that the long continued use of absinthe, in the 



SAISTTOKENUM. 269 

shape of bitters, has an injurious effect upon the nervous system. 
Wormwood is largely used on the Continent in this form. 

Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 40 gr. It may be infused with 
advantage (1 oz. to 20 fl. oz.), of which 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. may be 
given. It strikes blue with iron salts. 

Santonica. Santonica. The unexpanded flower heads of unde- 
termined species of Artemisia. [Of Artemisia contra and 
other species of Artemisia. U. S.] 

Santoninum. Santonin. A crystalline neutral principle obtained 
from santonica. 

Description. The flower heads, which resemble seeds in ap- 
pearance, are nearly half a line in breadth, and more than a line 
long, fusiform, blunt at the ends, greenish brown in colour, smooth, 
not hairy, formed of umbricated involucral scales, with a green 
midrib enclosing four or five tubular flowers ; strong odour, bitter 
camphoraceous taste. 

Prop. (& Comp. Santonica contains traces of volatile oil and 
a crystallizable substance santonin, which occurs in brilliant, 
white, four-sided, flat prisms, tasteless, or feebly bitter, odourless : 
scarcely soluble in cold water, sparingly in boiling water, but 
abundantly in chloroform, and boiling rectified spirit ; soluble 
also in ether ; not dissolved by dilute mineral acids ; fusible, and 
sublimes at a moderate heat ; the crystals become yellow by ex- 
posure to light ; it has the nature of a crystalline resin with slight 
acid properties ; nitric acid converts it into succinic acid, formula 

^30 -H-18 6 . 

Prep. Santonin is prepared by boiling bruised santonica for 
some time with water and lime, straining and reducing the bulk 
of the solution by evaporation. To this, while still hot, hydro- 
chloric acid is added, until the liquid becomes slightly and perma- 
nently acid, and it is then set aside for the precipitate which forms to 
subside. The oily matter floating on the surface is removed by 
skimming, and the fluid decanted off from the precipitate, which 
is collected on filtering paper, washed first with cold distilled 
water, then with solution of ammonia, and again with water, till 
the washings are colourless. The precipitate is then dried at a 
gentle heat ; purified by redissolving in boiling spirit with a little 



270 MATEEIA MED1CA. 

animal charcoal, filtering, and setting aside the liquid in a dark 
place to allow crystals of santonin to deposit. 

Therapeutics. The action is anthelmintic, and it forms a pleasant 
vermifuge for children. It is stated to be especially useful in the 
treatment of the lumbricus, or round worm. 

Dose. Of santonica or worm seed, from 60 gr. to 120 gr. 
Seldom used in this form. The dose of santonin is from 1 gr. to 
3 gr. for a child ; 3 gr. to 6 gr. or more for an adult. 

Anthemis. The flower of Anthemis nobilis, or Common Cham- 
omile ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua ; indigenous, growing 
in pastures on gravel, and cultivated. 

Anthemidis Oleum. English oil of Chamomile. The oil dis- 
tilled in England from the flower. 

Description. The flower? may be either single or double, 
consisting of a yellow convex disk and white rays ; the florets 
of the ray are numerous, white and three-toothed ; those of the 
disk, yellow ; by cultivation many of the latter are converted into 
white ray florets, and the flower is then said to be double. The 
single variety consists of yellow tubular and white strap-shaped 
florets ; the double, of white strap-shaped florets only. 

Prop. & Comp. The flowers contain a volatile oil, and a bitter 
extractive matter. The oil is of a pale blue or greenish colour, 
becoming yellowish by age ; it has the peculiar odour and aromatic 
taste of the flowers ; sp. gr. 0'91 ; it probably is a mixture of 
a hydrocarbon (C 20 H 16 ), the real volatile oil, with an oxidized 
substance, which when treated with potash is converted into 
angelate of potash (KO, C 10 H 7 3 ), 

Off. Prep. — Of the Flowers. Infusum Anthemidis. Infusion 
of Chamomile. (Chamomile flowers, half an ounce ; boiling 
distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Chamomile flowers, half a 
troy ounce, boiling water a pint. U. S.] 

Of the Flowers and Oil. 

Extractum xVnthemidis. Extract of Chamomile. (An infusion 
of the flowers evaporated, and having a subsequent addition of 
fifteen minims of the oil for each pound of flowers employed.) 



TAKAXACUM. 271 

Therapeutics. Chamomile is an aromatic stomachic and tonic ; 
in large doses, especially in the form of a warm infusion, it acts as 
an emetic ; it is used in atonic dyspepsia, also to assist the action 
of emetics. It is thought to be an antiperiodic. The oil is 
stimulant and carminative, a useful adjunct to purgatives. 

Dose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz to 4 fl. oz. ; of the oil 1 min. 
to 5 min. ; of the extract, 3 gr. upwards. The extract forms 
a useful adjunct to stomachic and other pills. 

Taraxacum. Dandelion Root. The recent root of Taraxacum 
Dens leonis or Common Dandelion ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia 
aequalis, indigenous ; gathered between September and February 
from meadows and pastures in Britain. 

Description. The root is tapering and branched, yielding a 
bitter milky juice when cut, which becomes brown by exposure ; 
smooth and dark ; of a brown colour externally, white within ; 
of a sweetish bitter taste ; the juice should not be watery, nor 
the root wrinkled or pale externally, and any adherent leaves 
runcinate and smooth. 

Prop. & Com/p. The juice contains resinous matters, sugar, 
gum, and a hitter extractive, from which a crystalline principle 
named taraxacine has been obtained, bitter in taste ; soluble in 
alcohol, ether, and hot water, sparingly so in cold. Mannite 
has been also extracted, but whether it is a product of the fer- 
mentation of the juice or exists in the root is as yet undecided. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Taraxaci. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Decoction of Taraxacum. (Dried dandelion root, one ounce ; 
distilled water, thirty fluid ounces, reduced by boiling to twenty 
ounces.) 

Extr actum Taraxaci. Extract of Taraxacum. (Prepared as 
the other extracts, from the expressed juice.) 

Succus Taraxaci. Juice of Taraxacum. [Not officinal in U. 
S. P.] (The juice expressed from the dandelion root, to every 
three measures of which one measure of rectified spirit is added.) 

[Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Dandelion. 
Three pints of tincture are obtained by percolation from sixteen 
troy ounces of Dandelion root, and reduced by evaporation to 
sixteen fluid ounces.] 



272 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



Therapeutics. The value of Taraxacum as a remedy is a 
matter which admits of some doubt. It is supposed to have a 
specific action on the liver, modifying and increasing its secretion ; 
hence its widely spread use in hepatic diseases, more particularly 
when attended with an habitually engorged state of the vessels of 
that viscus. Given for some time, it is thought to act as an alter- 
ative on that organ. In dropsies from hepatic obstruction, it is 
generally administered in combination with a purgative. 

Dose. Of decoctum taraxaci, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of extractum 
taraxaci, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of succus taraxaci, \ fl. drm. to 
2 fl. drm. or more. 

Lactuca. (Not officinal.) The flowering plant of Lactuca sativa, 
the Garden-Lettuce ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia sequalis, indigenous. 

Lactucarium. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The inspis- 
sated juice of Lactuca sativa and of Lactuca virosa, the Wild 
Lettuce. 
Description. The lettuce is too familiar to need description. 
Lactucarium, which is prepared by pressing out the milky juice of 
the flowering herbs and afterwards inspissating with a gentle 
heat, occurs in small masses or lumps of a brown colour, with an 
odour very similar to opium, and a bitter taste. It is obtained in 
much larger quantities from L. virosa than from L. sativa. 

Prop. & Oomp. Lactucarium yields to alchol a bitter extract- 
ive matter ; it is also sparingly soluble in water. A crystalline 
substance, lactucerine (C 40 H 34 5 ), soluble in alcohol and ether, but 
not in water, has been extracted from lactucarium, forming 42 per 
cent, of the fresh drug ; and two other substances, laciucic acid 
and lactucine, soluble in water, the latter being crystalline and 
resembling mannite. 

Therapeutics. The lettuce has been asserted to possess some 
narcotic powers, and has been occasionally eaten at bed-time to 
induce sleep. Extract of the fresh juice and lactucarium are gen- 
erally employed by the physician, and have been prescribed, in 
cases in which opium disagrees with the patient, to procure sleep, 
allay cough, &c. Lettuce has certainly very feeble powers com- 
pared with opium, and the author has given 30 grains and more 
of good lactucarium without noticing any decided narcotic effect 
from its administration. 



LOBELIA. 273 

Dose. Of lactucarium, or extract of lettuce made from the juice, 
5 gr. to 30 gr. 

Arnica. The root [The flowers. U. S.] of Arnica montana; 
Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua; found in the mountainous 
parts of Europe. 

Description. The rootstock from 1 to 3 inches long, and 2 or 
3 lines thick, cylindrical, contorted, rough from the scars of the 
coriaceous leaves, and furnished with numerous long slender fibres. 
The flowers of arnica are of a dark yellow colour, calyx green ; 
the ray florets ligulate, much longer than the calyx ; the florets of 
the disc tubular. 

Prop. & Comp. The flowers, the leaves, and root of this plant, 
all of which are often employed, have a peculiar odour when fresh, 
and are apt to excite sneezing. The active properties are taken 
up by water. In addition to the other constituents of plants, arnica 
contains a volatile oil and a bitter principle identical with cytisin : 
a volatile alkaloid, resembling lobelina, has also been procured 
from it. 

Tinctura Arnica. Tincture of Arnica. (Arnica root, in fine 
powder, one ounce ; rectified spirit, one pint. Prepared by macer- 
ation and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are made from six 
troy ounces of arnica flowers, by percolation with diluted alcohol. 
U.S.] 

Therapeutics. Given internally, arnica acts as a stimulant and 
irritant : it has been supposed to influence the spinal cord ; its 
action upon the system has not, however, been satisfactorily made 
out. It is chiefly employed as an external application for the dis- 
cussion of tumours, and for sprains and bruises. The author has 
reasons for questioning the virtues of arnica as a remedy in these 
cases. 

Dose. Externally, the tincture is employed either alone or 
diluted with water, or added to liniments. 

LOBELIACEiE. 

Lobelia. Lobelia. The flowering herb of Lobelia inflata, Indian 
Tobacco ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; indigenous in the 
United States. 
19 



274 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Description. The whole herb is officinal ; stem angular ; leaves 
alternate, ovate, toothed ; somewhat hairy beneath ; capsule ovoid, 
inflated, ten-ribbed ; herb acrid. It is generally found in oblong, 
compressed cakes. 

Prop. <& Com]). It has a peculiar odour, and a burning taste, 
not observed for a short time after the substance has been chewed. 
Besides colouring matters and the common constituents of plants, 
it contains a volatile oil or peculiar acid, the lobelic acid, and an 
alkaline principle, lobelina. This substance forms a yellowish 
liquid, lighter than water, very soluble in ether and alcohol, and 
forms crystalline salts with the mineral acids ; it is probably the 
active agent of the plant. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Lobelle. Tincture of Lobelia. (Lo- 
belia, dried and bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, one 
pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two 
pints of tincture are obtained by percolation from four troy ounces 
of powdered Lobelia.] 

Tinctura Lobelle ^Etherea. Ethereal Tincture of Lobelia. 
[Not officinal in IT. S. P.] (Lobelia, dried and bruised, two ounces 
and a half ; spirit of ether, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) 

Therapeutics. In small doses it is expectorant and diaphoretic ; 
in larger, emetic or cathartic. In too large quantities it produces 
much depression, nausea, cold sweats, and even death, preceded by 
convulsions ; it closely resembles tobacco in its action. It has 
been much lauded in attacks of spasmodic asthma, and also in 
other affections of the air-passages, attended with dyspnoea. In 
some cases it forms a useful adjunct to diuretics. 

Dose. Of the tincture or ethereal tincture, 10 min. to \ fl. 
drm. or more, carefully watching any symptom of vascular de- 
pression. 



Chimaphila. Winter Green. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in IT. S. 
P.] The herbaceous part of Chimaphila ITmbellata or ITmbell- 
ed Winter Green, called also Pyrola ; Lin. Syst., Decandria 
monogynia ; growing in North America. 

Description. The leaves are cuneate, lanceolate, coarsely ser- 
rated, coriaceous, smooth and shining ; green, when fresh ; when 



UVA UESI. 275 

dry, yellowish-brown. The flowers form small pinkish- white 
corymbs. 

Prop. & Comp. The fresh plant is fragrant when bruised ; 
when dry, the odour is not unlike tea ; taste, astringent and. bit- 
ter ; it yields a bitter extractive matter, tannin, and perhaps a 
trace of gallic acid. No crystalline principle has been discovered 
in it. 

Therapeutics. Tonic astringent, and diuretic j occasionally 
used in catarrhal affections of the bladder, also stated to be useful 
as a diuretic in albuminuria and dropsies ; it has likewise been 
employed in scrofula and rheumatism. 

Dose. Of the decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. (made with 1 oz. 
of the leaves in the 20 fl. oz. of decoction.) 

ERICACEAE. 

Uva TTrsi. Bearberry. The leaf of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi. 
Whortleberry, Bear-berry or Trailing Arbutus ; Lin. Syst., 
Decandria monogynia ; growing in the Northern parts of 
Europe and America. 

Description. The leaves are dark green, obovate, obtuse, entire, 
shining on upper surface, reticulated underneath, coriaceous in 
consistence, about three-fourths of an inch in length. Not dotted 
beneath nor toothed on the margin. 

Comp. <& Prop. Taste astringent, odour like hay or tea ; the 
infusion giving a bluish black precipitate with perchloride of iron. 
Contains tannin about 35 per cent., with a trace of gallic acid, 
bitter extractive, &c. 

Off. Prep. Infusum JJym Ursi. Infusion of Bearberry. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Bearberry leaves, half an ounce ; boiling 
distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Extractum Uvse Ursi Fluidum. 
Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi. U. S. Sixteen fluid ounces of ex- 
tract are made from sixteen troy ounces of Uva Ursi by percola- 
tion with diluted alcohol. Evaporation of the tincture, and the 
addition of eight ounces of sugar.] 

Therapeutics. An astringent and diuretic, used in vesical and 
urethral affections, as catarrhus vesicae (chronic), to diminish irri- 
tability and mucous discharge, also in gleets ; sometimes employed 
in kidney affections j it may be given with alkalies or acids. 



276 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Dose. Of powder, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 
2 fl. oz. [Of the fluid extract, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm.] 

Adulteration. Leaves of Red Wortleberry or Vaccinium 

Vitis Idcea may be added, distinguished by being dotted and not 

reticulated on the under surface, and the margins crenated : also 

common box leaves, which can be recognized by their want of 

astringency. 

[Gaultheria. The leaves of Gaultheria Precumbens. Partridge- 
berry, Wintergreen. U.S. Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia : 
common in most parts of the United States. 

Comp. & Prop. Taste, peculiar aromatic and somewhat as- 
tringent, odour aromatic ; contains a heavy essential oil on which 
its properties depend. 

Off. Prep. Oleum Gaultheria, obtained by distillation ; it is a 
hydro carbon C 20 H 16 containing methy salicic acid C 16 H 8 6 . 

Therapeutics. Gaultheria is stimulant, aromatic, and somewhat 
astringent ; it is chiefly used in domestic practice. The oil is 
employed mainly as a flavoring ingredient.] 

STY&ACEiE. 

Styrax Preparatus. Prepared Storax. Liquid balsam from 
Liquidambar orientale ; obtained from the bark in Asia Minor ; 
purified by means of rectified spirit and straining. 

Description. Storax occurs in two forms : the liquid balsam 
(officinal), of the consistence of bird-lime, almost opaque, with an 
aromatic odour, and a brownish yellow colour ; and the solid 
storax, styrax calamita, in the form of masses which are friable, 
of a brownish-red colour, covered on the surface with a white 
efflorescence of benzoic or cinnamic acid, and becoming soft and 
clammy with the heat of the hand. The last variety is often mixed 
with saw-dust, turpentine and other impurities. 

Prop. & Comp. Storax consists of a principle named Styracin, 
Cinnamic acid, a peculiar resin, and Styrol, 

Styracin. (C 36 H 16 4 ) is a crystalline solid, resolved by the 
action of alkalies into cinnamic acid and Styrone, which last is a 
cinnamic alcohol (HO, C 18 H 9 0). Styracin appears to be a cin- 
namate of cinnamic alcohol. 



ACIDTJM BENZOIC UM. 277 

Cinnamic acid. (HO, C 18 H 7 3 ) occurs in crystalline plates, 
and has powerful acid properties. 

Styrol. (C 16 H 8 ), a colourless oil, of an aromatic odour, con- 
verted into benzoic acid by the oxidizing action of chromic acid. 

Storax, when pure, is soluble in alcohol and ether. Heated in 
a test tube on the vapour bath, it becomes more liquid but should 
give off no moisture. Boiled with solution of bichromate of potash 
and sulphuric acid it evolves the odour of hydride of benzule, from 
the Styrol contained in it. 

Off. Prep. Storax is contained in Tinct. Benzoini Comp. 

Therapeutics. The same as the balsams of Peru and Tolu. 

Dose. Of the prepared resin, 5 gr. to 20 gr. 

Benzoimim. Benzoin. A balsam (indurated in the air) flowing 
from the incised bark of Styrax Benzoin or Benjamin tree ; 
Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia ; growing in Sumatra, Siam, 
Borneo, and other islands of the Eastern Archipelago. 

Acidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. A crystallized acid pre- 
pared from gum benzoin by sublimation. 

Description. Benzoin occurs either in the form of reddish- 
white tears, separate or slightly adherent, or more frequently in 
masses consisting of the tears completely agglutinated with a 
brownish-red substance ; on fracture, it presents an amygdaloid 
appearance ; this forms Siam benzoin. Benzoin has little taste, 
but an agreeable odour. An inferior darker kind, called Calcutta 
benzoin, is sometimes met with. 

Prop. & Com,]). Benzoin contains from 10 to 20 per cent, of 
Benzoic acid; the remainder consists of a resin, partly soluble in 
ether. Benzoin is soluble in alcohol and liquor potassas ; and 
gives off, when heated, fumes of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid (HO 
C 14 H 5 3 ), when pure, forms soft, feathery, flexible, white crystals, 
with a pearly lustre ; generally impregnated with empyreumatic 
oil, which gives it a strong odour ; slightly soluble in water, but 
readily so in rectified spirit ; it is dissolved also by solutions of 
ammonia, potash, soda, and lime, from which it is precipitated by 
hydrochloric acid, unless the solution be very dilute. When heated 
it should sublime without residue. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tine- 



278 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

ture of Benzoin. (Benzoin coarsely powdered, two ounces ; pre- 
pared storax, two ounces ; balsam of tolu, half an ounce ; Soco- 
trine aloes, one hundred and sixty grains ; rectified spirit, one 
pint. Prepared by maceration.) 

Benzoic Acid is prepared by subliming benzoin in an iron ves- 
sel, and collecting the sublimed acid by means of a cylinder of 
stiff paper inserted over the vessel. 

Benzoic acid is contained in Tinctura Camphors cum Opio. 

Therapeutics. Benzoin is a stimulant expectorant, formerly 
used in chronic bronchitic affections ; externally in the form of 
the tincture (Friar's Balsam) it is applied as a stimulant to ulcers 
and wounds. Benzoic acid, when taken internally, is converted 
into and appears in the urine as hippuric acid, rendering the fluid 
more acid and somewhat irritating, but not diminishing the 
amount of uric acid : it is sometimes useful in catarrhus vesicas 
attended with alkaline urine, &c. 

Dose. Of benzoin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. : of the compound tincture, 
i fl. drm. to 1-J fl. drm., suspended in water by means of mucilage 
or yolk of egg ; of benzoic acid, 10 gr. to 15 gr. Benzoate op 
Ammonia is described under Salts of Ammonia. J 

GLEACEJE. 

Olivee Oleum. Olive Oil. An oil expressed from the fruit of 
Olea Europaea, the European Olive ; Lin. Syst., Diandria mon- 
ogynia ; growing near the shores of the Mediterranean. 

Sapo Durus. Hard Soap. [Sapo. U. S.] Soap made of olive 
oil and soda. 

Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Made of 
olive oil and potash. 

Glycerinnm. Glycerine. [Glycerina. U. S.] A sweet principle, 
obtained from fats and fixed oils. 

Descrip., Prop. & Comp. The olive fruit, used at dessert, is a 
smooth, elliptical, single-seeded drupe, about f of inch long, 
and i inch in diameter, of a dark green colour. The oil, Oleum 
Olivce, called also Salad oil, is of a pale straw colour, with a slight 
and agreeable odour and taste ; sp. gr. 0'92 ; congeals partially 
at about 36° ; and consists of about 72 per cent, of Oleine, and 



LINIMENTUM CAMPHOE^E. 279 

28 per. cent, of Margarine / it unites with alkalies and other 
bases, forming soaps ; the two alkaline soaps are named Sapo 
durus and Sapo mollis. 

Sapo durus, or the combination of the oil with soda, called also 
hard soap, is greyish- white, horny and pulverizabie when kept in 
warm dry air, easily moulded when heated. It is often marbled 
blue or red, when of the Castile variety, from the presence of a 
little oxide of iron. Hard soap is soluble in water ; the solution 
is precipitated by lime, lead, and some other metallic salts : it is 
composed of oleate and margarate of soda. 

Sapo mollis, the combination of the oil with potash, forms a 
yellow, transparent, very soft substance, inodorous, of the consist- 
ence of thick honey ; it is usually spotted with white points, from 
some crystallization having taken place ; in other respects it 
agrees with soda soap ; it is a compound of oleate and margarate 
of potash. Both hard and soft soap should be entirely soluble in 
rectified spirit, and should not impart an oily stain to paper. 

Glycerine, a substance which is separated, when all ordinary 
fats and oils are saponified or distilled with superheated steam, 
from the oleine, margarine, or stearine, contained in them, is a 
slightly yellow or colourless syrupy-looking liquid, sp. gr. 1*260, 
very sweet, oily to the touch, mixing readily with water and alco- 
hol ; the watery solution does not ferment with yeast, nor does 
glycerine itself evaporate or dry at an ordinary temperature. Its 
composition is represented by the formula (C 6 H 8 6 ) ; when de- 
composed by heat it evolves intensely irritating vapours. Glyce- 
rine possesses very remarkable solvent powers : arsenious acid, 
borax, many vegetable alkaloids and acids dissolve freely in it. 
Heated with starch (from 80 to 100 gr. to 1 fl. oz.) it forms a 
" plasma," which can be employed as an ointment. 

Off. Prep. — Of Olive Oil. Linimentum Calcis. Liniment of 
Lime. (Solution of lime, two fluid ounces ; olive oil, two fluid 
ounces.) [Solution of lime, eight fluid ounces ; flax-seed oil, seven 
troy ounces. U. S.] 

Linimentum Camphoe^:. Liniment of Camphor. (Camphor, 
one ounce ; olive oil, four fluid ounces.) 

Olive oil is also used in the preparation of the Linimentum 
camphorag compositum, Linimentum crotonis, of several plasters, 
and many of the ointments. 



280 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Of Sapo durus. 

Emplastrum Saponis. Soap Plaster. (Hard soap, six ounces ; 
litharge plaster, two pounds and a quarter ; resin, one ounce.) 
[Soap, sliced, four troy ounces ; plaster of lead, thirty-six troy 
ounces ; water, a sufficient quantity. U. S.] 

Linimentum Saponis. Liniment of Soap. (Hard soap, two 
ounces and a half ; camphor, one ounce and a quarter ; English 
oil of rosemary, three fluid drachms; rectified spirit, eighteen 
fluid ounces ; distilled water, two fluid ounces.) [Soap, in shav- 
ings, four troy ounces ; camphor, two troy ounces ; oil of rosemary, 
half a fluid ounce ; water, four fluid ounces ; alcohol, two pints. 
U. S.] This liniment is commonly known by the name of Opodel- 
doc. Hard soap is also contained in many pill masses. 

Therapeutics. Olive Oil is used in medicine internally as a 
demulcent in the form of emulsion ; it may also be used as an 
enema : if taken in large doses it is slightly laxative, as is the 
case with almost all fixed oils : externally it is much employed in 
the form of liniment as a lubricating substance. 

Soaps act as antacids, but are apt to disagree with the stomach 
from the liberation of the fatty acids contained in them, especially, 
as often happens, when not made of olive oil : they possess no 
particular value as internal remedies, and are more used as adjuncts 
to other drugs to aid in the formation of pills, than for their med- 
icinal virtues. Soaps are used as external applications, and are 
more valued for their mechanical effects than for any special prop- 
erty they possess. 

Glycerine is used on account of its physical properties as an 
adjunct to lotions in skin diseases, to prevent the surface becom- 
ing dry, or in the form of plasma ; it has also been proposed as a 
substitute for oil in the treatment of some forms of deafness. It 
has likewise been used internally as a substitute for cod liver oil, 
but without much benefit. 

Dose. Of olive oil, 1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. or more, as a demul- 
cent or laxative ; of sapo durus or sapo mollis, as an antacid, &c, 
5 gr. to 1 scruple; of glycerine, J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Soap made from animal oils or fats and potash, 
is very commonly employed in place of the officinal soft soap, and 
common hard soap is substituted for the Castile variety. 



FBAXINUS EXCELSIOE. 281 

Manna. Manna. The juice (concreted) flowing from the incised 
bark of Fraxinus rotundifolia and Fraxinus ornus , Lin. Syst., 
Diandria monogynia ; native of Sicily and Calabria. It is prob- 
able that both trees yield manna, and a similar substance can be 
obtained from Fraxinus excelsior, when growing in the south- 
ern part of Europe. 
Description. Manna of the best description, called flake manna, 
forms long white pieces not unlike stalactite masses, from one to 
six inches in length, and about one to two inches broad, hollowed 
out and discoloured on the side which was attached to the tree ; 
it is porous and friable ; it may also occur in small masses, or 
tears, and when of an inferior kind, in broken and coloured frag- 
ments mixed with impurities. Manna has a sweetish odour and 
taste, but it is also rather bitter. 

Prop. & Com/p. Manna is readily soluble in water ; it dissolves 
also in alcohol, and consists almost entirely of a peculiar sugar, 
named Mannite (C 6 H 7 6 ), which crystallizes in four-sided prisms, 
is sweet, and differs from grape or cane sugar in not fermenting ; 
a small amount of bitter matter also exists in manna, the nature of 
which is unknown. 

Therapeutics. A very mild laxative, adapted for children ; also 
a pleasant adjunct to some purgative draughts ; it sometimes causes 
flatulence and griping. 

Dose. 60 gr. to -J oz. or more. 

The leaves of Fraxinus Excelsior, or Common Ash (not 
officinal), have long been used in medicine, and within the last 
few years they have been much extolled in Germany and France 
in the treatment of gout and rheumatism ; their real composi- 
tion is unknown. From the author's experience of their effects 
in acute gout, he is not at all inclined to think highly of their 
value, for in several cases they failed to afford the slightest alle- 
viation, when the use of other treatment was immediately followed 
by relief; in the treatment of chronic gout, when taken for a 
long time and in large quantities in the form of decoction of the 
leaves (half an ounce to the pint), they probably may have some 
influence in keeping off attacks. 



282 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 



LOGANIACEiE. 

Nux Vomica. The seeds of Strychnos Nux Vomica. Nivx 
vomica, or Koochla Tree ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; 
growing in the East Indies. 

Strychnia. Strychnia, an alkaloid obtained from Nux Vomica. 

Description of Nux vomica. The fruit is a round berry, like 
an orange, filled, when ripe, with a jelly-like pulp, and containing 
the seeds, which are round, flattened, and concavo-convex, from 
half an inch to an inch in diameter, very tough and horny, covered 
with a velvety down consisting of fine hairs ; their colour is yel- 
lowish-grey, with no odour, but of an intensely bitter taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Nux vomica contains two alkaloids, strychnia 
and brucia, united with a peculiar acid. Strychnia (C 42 H 22 N 2 4 ), 
crystallizes in four-sided prisms or octahedra ; it requires about 
1,000 parts of water to dissolve it, but communicates to it an in- 
tensely bitter taste ; soluble in boiling rectified spirit, in ether 
and chloroform ; it forms crystallizable salts with acids. Strych" 
nia yields a colourless solution with pure sulphuric acid, which on 
the addition of bichromate of potash, acquires an intensely violet 
colour. It is not reddened by nitric acid. Brucia (C 46 H 26 N 2 O c ) 
crystallizes with eight equivalents of water ; much more soluble 
in water, but less bitter than strychnia ; soluble in alcohol ; forms 
salts witli acids ; it is coloured red by nitric acid, but does not 
give the test with the bichromate of potash. Igasuric or Strych- 
nic acid is united with the alkaloids ; its solution precipitates 
copper salts bright green ; it can be crystallized. A third alka- 
loid, Jgasuria, has been stated to exist in nux vomica, which is 
more soluble in water than s'trychnia or brucia : recently Schut- 
zenberger has asserted that many bases, allied to brucia in being 
reddened by nitric acid, are contained in the seeds of nux 
vomica ; he detected them in the so-called Igasuria. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Seeds of Nux Vomica. Extractum Nucis 
Vomica. Extract of Nux Vomica. (Prepared by first softening 
the seeds by steam, reducing them to powder and subsequently 
macerating in rectified spirit and evaporating to a proper con- 
sistence.) 



STRYCHNIA. 283 

Tinctub,a Nucis Vomicae. Tincture of Nux Yomica. (Nux 
vomica, two ounces ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Pre- 
pared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of tinc- 
ture are prepared by digestion and percolation from eight troy 
ounces of nux vomica.] 

Of the Alkaloid Strychnia. 

Liquor Strychnle. Solution of Strychnia. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Strychnia, four grains ; dilute hydrochloric acid, six 
min. ; rectified spirit, two fluid drachms ; distilled water, six fluid 
drachms.) A solution of strychnia in rectified spirit and water, 
slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid ; one grain of strychnia 
is contained in two fluid drachms. 

Strychnia is prepared by the following process. Nux vomica 
is reduced to powder ; this is accomplished by submitting it 
to steam, and then drying in a vapour bath or hot air chamber, 
and grinding it in a coffee mill. The powder is digested with 
a gentle heat in spirit and water, the spirit distilled off, and 
a solution of acetate of lead added, by which the colouring 
matters, &c, are precipitated. The precipitate is separated 
by filtration, and to the filtered liquid ammonia is added in slight 
excess ; it is allowed to stand for twelve hours, and then the 
precipitate is collected on a filter, washed and dried. The dried 
product is boiled in rectified spirit till the fluid ceases to taste 
bitter, the greater part of the spirit distilled off, and the liquid 
evaporated to a small bulk and set aside to cool. The yellowish 
mother liquor is poured off from the white crust of strychnia, 
the white crust thrown on a filter and washed with two parts of 
rectified spirit and one of water, till the washings no longer 
become red with nitric acid. The strychnia is finally dissolved 
by boiling in rectified spirit, and the solution set aside to crys- 
tallize. 

Therapeutics. Nux vomica is a powerful stimulant to the 
spinal cord, causing, in large doses, twitching of the muscles, 
followed by tetanic rigidity and death from asphyxia ; paralysed 
parts are more readily affected than sound ones. It acts also 
as a bitter stomachic, and in some forms of dyspepsia, as in pyrosis, 
often relieves ; its chief use, however, is in the treatment of 
paralysis, more especially when depending on lead poisoning, 



284 MATEEIA MEDXCA. 

or in other forms of local paralysis ; sometimes, however, it is 
employed in paraplegia, and even in hemiplegia, when all in- 
flammatory symptoms have subsided. The alkaloid strychnia acts 
exactly in the same manner as the nux vomica, of which it is the 
active ingredient ; it should be given with great caution. Brucia 
is almost inert ; from the author's experience it does not, when 
pure, produce any of the effects of strychnia, even in large doses ; 
perhaps it is tonic and antiperiodic. 

Dose. Of powdered nux vomica, 1 gr. to 3 gr. ; of the 
extract, J gr. to 2 gr.* ; of the tincture, 10 min. to 30 min. ; 
[5 min to 10 min. U. S.] of strychnia,^ to |-gr. or J gr. cautiously 
increased ; of the solution, 5 min. to 15 min. or more. 

Adulteration of strychnia. The presence of brucia, in vary- 
ing, sometimes large, quantities, rendering the alkaloid much less 
powerful ; detected by the red colour produced by nitric acid. 
The bark of strychnos nux vomica contains the same alkaloids as 
the seeds ; it is known as False Angustura Bark, being some- 
times employed to adulterate the true Angustura Bark ; for the 
method of distinguishing this adulteration, vide Cusparia. 

Faba Sancti Ignatii. [Tgnatia. IT. S.] St. Ignatius' Bean. 
The seed of the Strychnos Ignatii ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria 
monogynia ; inhabiting the Philippine Islands. (Not officinal.) 

[Extractum Ignatii Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of 
Ignatia. U. S. A tincture is obtained by percolation and evapor- 
ated to form an extract.] 

Description. The seeds are of a brown colour, semi transparent, 
of a tough horny texture ; convex on one side ; somewhat tri- 
angular, with irregular facets on the other. 

Prop. & Comp. These beans are remarkable for the large 
proportion of /Strychnia they contain, the quantity being greater 
than that yielded by the nux vomica seeds. They yield about 
1*2 per cent, of the alkaloid, and their activity is due to the 
presence of this substance. An extract has been made from 
them, which is thought by some to differ in its properties from 
that of nux vomica, but there can be no doubt the difference is 
in degree only, strychnia being the active ingredient. 

* Two grains of good extract of nux vomica is a very large dose. More than half 
a grain can not commonly be given without risk of producing unpleasant symp- 
toms.— Ed. 



SPIGEL1A. 285 

[Dose of the extract J of a gr. carefully increased.] 

ASCLEPIABACEJE. 

Hemidesmus. Hemidesmus. The Root of Heuiidesmus Indicus ; 
[Not officinal in IT. S. P.] Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia. 
Indian Sarsaparilla. Native of India. 

Description. Hemidesmus occurs in long cylindrical pieces ; 
the colour of the cortex is dark, marked by longitudinal divisions 
and deep circular rings ; the central portion ligneous ; it has a 
somewhat fragrant odour, and an agreeable bitter taste. 

Prop. <& Comp. It yields its active properties to boiling 
water, and contains a peculiar volatile, crystallizable substance, 
with acid properties : this has been called hemidesmic acid, but 
little is known concerning it. 

Off. Prep. Syeupus Hemidesmi. Syrup of Hemidesmus. 
(Hemidesmus, four ounces ; refined sugar, twenty-eight ounces ; 
boiling distilled water, twenty fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. Its action is supposed to be the same as sar- 
saparilla, and it has been used as a substitute for that root, 
especially in India, in syphilitic cutaneous eruptions, &c, and also 
in some diseases of the kidney. 

Dose. Of the Syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. The Syrup of 
Hemidesmus must be looked upon more as a flavouring than a 
medicinal agent, as the amount of the drug contained in an 
ordinary dose of this preparation is very small. 

A decoction may be made from it, in lieu of sarsaparilla, when 
the real action of hemidesmus is required. Dose from 1 fl. oz. to 
4 fl. oz. 

Cynaxchum Aegel, the leaves of which have been referred to 
as constituting one of the adulterations of senna, belongs to this 
natural order. 

SPIGELXACEJE. 

Spigelia. Carolina Pink. [Pink Root.] The root of Spigelia 
Marilandica; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogyma; native of the 
south and south-western parts of North America. (Not offici- 
nal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] 



286 MATEE1A MEDICA. 

Description. The root consists of a thick globular head, from 
which numerous thinner and tortuous fibres branch out ; it has a 
brown colour. 

Prop. (& Comp. The root contains, in addition to saccharine 
and mucilaginous matters, a volatile and fixed oil, and a peculiar 
hitter principle, soluble in water. The oily and bitter matters 
probably give activity to the drug. 

[Off. Prep. Extractum Spigeliae Muidum. Fluid Extract of 
Spigelia. U. S. A tincture is obtained by percolation from six- 
teen troy ounces of Spigelia, and concentrated by evaporation, so 
that with the addition of eight troy ounces of sugar, it measures a 
pint.] 

[Extractum Spigelian et Sennae Muidum. Fluid Extract of 
Spigelia and Senna. U. S. Fluid extract of spigelia, ten fluid 
ounces ; fluid extract of senna, six fluid ounces ; carbonate of 
potassas, half a troy ounce ; oil of anise, oil of caraway, each twenty 
minims.] 

[Infusum Spigeliae. Infusion of Spigelia. U. S. Spigelia, half 
a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint. Prepared by maceration.] 

Therapeutics. Much employed in the United States as an an- 
thelmintic ; it produces, in moderate doses, considerable cathartic 
action, and in some cases, peculiar narcotic effects.* It may be 
administered in substance, or in the form of infusion ; generally 
combined with a purgative. 

Dose. 60 gr. to 120 gr. for an adult. [For a child 3 or 4 
years old, of the fluid extract 1 or 2 drachms ; of the fluid extract 
of spigelia and senna, 1 to 2 fluid drachms ; of the infusion, half a 
fluid ounce to a fluid ounce.] 



Gentiana. Gentian. The dried root of Gentiana lutea, or Yellow 
Gentian; Lin. Syst., Fentanclria digynia; growing chiefly in 
the European Alps and Pyrenees; imported from Marseilles 
and other French ports. 

Description. The root occurs in lengthened cylindrical pieces, 
from \ inch to 1 inch in diameter, and several inches long ; wrink- 

* Spigelia has no purgative action, and it very rarely produces any decided effect 
on the nervous system. — Ed. 



GENT1AWA. 287 

led longitudinally, and often twisted ; brown externally ; yellow 
and spongy, yet tough, within. Of a sweet odour, and bitter and 
sweet taste. 

Prop. & Corny. Gentian yields to water and spirit its bitter 
principle, gentianite, which has not been crystallized ; gentianin 
(0 U H 5 5 ), which can be crystallized in yellow needles, but is not 
bitter, its colour is deepened by alkalies ; formerly it was supposed 
to be the active principle. Sugar, gum, and pectin, &c, are also 
present in gentian root. 

Of. Prep. Extractum Gentians. Extract of Gentian. 
(Prepared by maceration and subsequent decoction, and reduction 
by evaporation to a proper consistence.) [Prepared by percola- 
tion, and the percolate afterwards boiled to three-fourths its bulk, 
and then reduced to a proper consistence by evaporation. U. S.] 

Infusum Gentians Compositum. Compound Infusion of Gen- 
tian. (Gentian, a quarter of an ounce ; bitter orange peel, thirty 
grains ; coriander, thirty grains ; proof spirit, two fluid ounces ; 
cold distilled water, eight fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration, 
first in proof spirit and afterwards in the proof spirit and cold 
water.) [Prepared by percolation. U. S.] 

Tinctura Gentianje Composita. Compound Tincture of Gen- 
tian. (Gentian, one and a half ounce • bitter orange peel, three 
quarters of an ounce ; cardamoms, one quarter of an ounce ; 
proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and 
percolation.) [Gentian, two troy ounces ; bitter orange peel, a 
troy ounce ; cardamom, half a troy ounce, all in moderately fine 
powder ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints of tinc- 
ture are prepared by percolation. U. S.] 

[Extractum Gentianse Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Gentian. 
Sixteen ounces of fluid extract are prepared by percolation with 
diluted alcohol, and subsequent evaporation, from sixteen troy 
ounces of Gentian.] 

Therapeutics. Gentian is a simple bitter, or stomachic tonic, 
improving the appetite and giving tone to the stomach ; hence use- 
ful in convalesence from acute disease, and in cases of dyspepsia 
attended with an atonic condition of that viscus. 

Dose. In substance, from 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of extract, 5 gr. 



288 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

and upwards ; of infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of compound tinc- 
ture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; [of fluid extract, 1 fl. drm.] 

Chirata. Chiretta. Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; the entire 
plant, Ophelia Chirata, grows in the northern parts of India. 

Description. As imported, it is in bundles consisting of the 
stems of the plant, about three feet long, about the size of a goose 
quill ; smooth, pale brown, with numerous small flowers, and part 
of the roots attached ; the stems have a yellow pith. 

Prop. <& Comp. The plant is very bitter, and yields to water 
and alcohol a bitter extractive, similar to that obtained from 
gentian. 

Off. Prep. Inpusum Chirata. Infusion of Chiretta. (Chi- 
retta, a quarter of an ounce ; distilled water, at 120°, ten fluid 
ounces.) 

Tinctura Chirata. Tincture of Chiretta. (Chiretta, two 
and a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared 
by maceration and percolation.) 

Therapeutics. Exactly the same as gentian. 

Pose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, 1 
fl. drm. and upwards. 

Other plants belonging to this order, as Erythr^ea Centaurium, 
the Common Centaury, and Menyanthes trifoliata, the Common 
Buck-bean, contain a similar bitter. principle, and have been occa- 
sionally employed in the place of gentian root. 

CONVOLVULACEJE. 

Scammonise Radix. Scammony Root. The dried root of Con- 
volvulus Scammonia. Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; 
growing in Syria, and exported chiefly from Smyrna. 

Scammonium. Scammony, a gum resin, exuding from the cut 
root of the living plant, Convolvulus Scammonia. 

Scammoni.83 Resina. Resin of Scammony. A resin obtained 
by means of rectified spirit, from dried Scammony Root, or 
from Scammony itself. 

Description The root is tap shaped, sometimes 3 inches in 
diameter at the top, brown without, white within, odorous, but 
with little taste. 



MISTUKA SCAMMONIL 289 

Scammony occurs in masses, irregular in shape and size, of a 
blackish-green colour, covered with fine powder, porous, brittle, 
with a shining fracture. It has a musty odour, makes a lather 
when rubbed on the surface with water ; the taste is nauseous 
and acrid after a few minutes. The resin obtained by means of 
rectified spirit from scammony root or scammony is in brownish, 
translucent pieces, brittle, resinous in fracture, and if prepared 
from the root, of a sweet fragrant odour. 

Prop, dh Comp. Scammony consists chiefly of a resin, some- 
times in the form of a glucoside, sometimes in part as a resinous 
acid ; the latter is soluble in ammonia ; scammony resin is soluble 
in alcohol and ether, but precipitated from its solution on the ad- 
dition of water. It has been stated to have the composition 

(C 40 H33 O 2 o)« 

Scammony should emit no bubbles of gas when treated with 
hydrochloric acid, nor, when digested in water of 170° Fah., 
should the fluid be tinged of a blue colour on the addition of 
iodide of potassium and dilute nitric acid, or free iodine. Of 
pure or virgin scammony, 80 or 90 per cent, should be soluble in 
ether. The above tests show the absence of chalk or starch, and 
also the amount of resin. The resin cannot form singly an emul- 
sion with water, as it contains no gum. Its tincture should not 
render the fresh cut surface of a potatoe blue ; this shows the 
absence of guaiacum, with which it is often adulterated. 

Off . Prep. — Of the root Resina. The resin is prepared by 
exhausting the root by maceration and percolation with rectified 
spirit. The tincture thus made is diluted with water, and the 
spirit distilled off. The residue is allowed to become cold, the 
supernatant fluid poured off, the resin washed two or three times 
with hot water, and dried on a porcelain plate. 

Of Scammony or Resin of Scammony. 

Confectio Scammonii. Confection of Scammony. [Not of- 
ficinal in U. S. P.] (Scammony or resin of scammony, in fine 
powder, three ounces ; ginger, in fine powder, an ounce and a 
half ; oil of caraway, one fluid drachm ; oil of cloves, half a fluid 
drachm ; syrup, three ounces ; clarified honey, one ounce and a 
half.) 

Mistura Scammonii. Scammony Mixture. [Not officinal in 
20 



290 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

U. S. P.] (Made by triturating four grains of resin of scammony 
with two fluid ounces of unskimmed milk, so as to form an 
emulsion.) 

Pulvis Scammonii Compo.situs. Compound Scammony Pow- 
der. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Scammony, four ounces ; jalap, 
three ounces ; ginger, one ounce. Rub them separately into a 
very fine powder, and mix.) 

Scammony, or its resin, also forms an important ingredient in 
Extractum colocynthidis compositum, and Pilula colocynthidis 
composita and Pilula colocynthidis composita et hyoscyami. 

Therapeutics. A drastic purgative, generally causing much 
watery discharge, and often griping ; useful to give activity to 
other purgatives, which appear to diminish its violence. It is 
employed in cerebral and dropsical effusions, torpidity of bowels, 
and as a vermifuge for children ; it is contra-indicated in in- 
flammatory affections of the digestive organs. 

Dose. Of the powdered scammony (pure) 4 gr. to 10 gr. ; of 
scammonin (the pure resin) 4 gr. to 10 gr. ; of conf. scammonii, 
15 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of mist, scammonii, 2 fl. oz. ; of pulv. 
scammonii comp., 6 gr. to 15 gr. As an adjunct to other purga- 
tives, it may be given in smaller quantities. 

Adulteration. Scammony is most extensively adulterated with 
chalk, flour, other resins, and extracts. Sometimes the drug con- 
tains but a small per-centage only of real scammony. The frauds 
are detected by the tests given above. 

Jalapa. Jalap. The tuber [root. U. S.] of Exogonium Purga, 
or true Jalap plant ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; grow- 
ing in Mexico ; it was named from the city Xalapa. 

Jalap 33 Resina. Resin of Jalap. A resin obtained from Jalap 
by means of rectified spirits. 

Description. Jalap tubers are ovoid, more or less pointed, 
varying from £ inch to 3 or four inches in diameter, of a brown 
colour, and wrinkled externally ; internally, yellowish, and in 
concentric layers. Structure dense and resinous in appearance ; 
occasionally it is found worm-eaten. Sometimes the tubers are 
sliced. 

The Resin of Jalap is in dark brown opaque fragments, trans- 

\ 



TINCTUKA JALAPS. 291 

lucent at the edges, breaking with a resinous fracture, and readily 
reduced to a pale brown powder. 

Prop. <& Comp. Jalap has a sweetish odour and taste, at the 
same time nauseous ; it contains from 10 to 15 per cent, of resin, 
and about 20 per cent, of watery extractive matter, with starch, 
&c. Jalap resin is insoluble in oil of turpentine ; soluble in alco- 
hol, ether, or water ; it becomes crimson with oil of vitriol. Jalap 
resin consists of at least two resinous bodies : one named Jalapine 
(Rhodeoretin), a glucoside (C 62 H 50 32 ), nearly insoluble in ether. 
The second, sometimes termed Jalapic acid, or Pararhodeoretin 
(C 40 H 34 Oia), is soluble in ether, and has the strong odour of the 
drug. The so-termed Jalapine of the shops is the resin of jalap 
extracted by spirit from the tuber, and afterwards precipitated, by 
means of water. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Jalaps. Extract of Jalap. (This is a 
mixed spirit and cold water extract, made by treating the powdered, 
jalap first with rectified spirit, and afterwards with cold water, 
evaporating the tincture and watery solution separately to a soft 
state, and. afterwards mixing them together and evaporating the 
whole to the consistence of an extract at a temperature not ex- 
ceeding 140°.) t 

Pulvis Jalaps Compositus. Compound Powder of Jalap. 
(Jalap, in powder, five ounces ; acid, tartrate of potash, nine 
ounces ; ginger, in powder, one ounce.) [Jalap, a troy ounce ; 
bitartrate of potassa, two troy ounces ; both in fine powder. U. S.] 

Tinctura Jalap m. Tincture of Jalap. (Jalap, coarsely pow- 
dered, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared 
by maceration and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are 
obtained by percolating six troy ounces of jalap with a mix- 
ture of two measures of alcohol and one of water. U. S.] Proof 
spirit takes up both the resin and watery extract. 

Jalap is also an active ingredient in Pulvis scammonii com- 
positus. 

Therapeutics. Jalap is a brisk purgative, causing watery dis- 
charge ; much allied to, but less irritant than, scamniony ; used 
as an ordinary purgative in costiveness and inflammatory affec- 
tions, especially when combined with aromatics, which diminish, 

/ 



292 MATEKIA MEDICA. 

the griping ; also as a hydragogue in dropsies, and vermifuge 
when joined with the acid tartrate of potash or calomel. 

Doses. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of the resin, 2 gr. to 
6 gr. ; of ext. jalapas, 6 gr. to 20 gr. ; of tinct. jalapoe, i fl. drm. 
to 2 fl. drm. 

\0 Adulteration. Other roots, as of Ipomea orizabensis, &c, dis- 
tinguished by the absence of the characters of true jalap. 

SOLANACEJE. 

Dulcamara. Dulcamara. The young branches, dried, of Sola- 
num Dulcamara, Woody Nightshade or Bitter-Sweet ; Lin. 
Syst., Pentandria monogynia; indigenous, growing in hedges. 

Description. The dried twigs are met with in small cylindrical 
pieces, 1 or two inches long, about the size of a goose quill ; of a 
brown colour externally, pale within, light from containing much 
pith : the twigs should be collected in autumn, when devoid of 
leaves. 

Prop. c& Comp. Without odour ; of a sweetish-bitter taste ; 
contains an alkaloid Solania (C s6 H 70 N0 32 ?) crystallizing in 
white pearly scales or needles ; insoluble in water and ether ; 
soluble in alcohol ; found also in Solanum nigrum and Solanum 
tuberosum. A bitter-sweetish extract, named Dulcamarine or 
Picroglycion, exists also in the twigs ; the acid is probably the 
malic. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Dulcamara. Infusion of Dulcamara. 
(Dulcamara, one ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. The real action of dulcamara is unknown ; it 
does not dilate the pupils or produce dryness of the throat like 
belladonna, henbane, or stramonium, but it seems to act on the 
skin and kidneys ; it has been employed chiefly in chronic skin 
diseases, as lepra and psoriasis ; occasionally it has been used in 
cachectic states of the system, as an alterative, as in syphilis. 

Dose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz., or more. 

Belladonna. Belladonnse. [Belladonna folium. The leaves of 
Atropa Belladonna. TJ. S.] The recent and dried leaf of Atropa 
Belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade ; Lin. Syst., Petandria mo- 
nogynia ; indigenous, growing in w T oods and gardens. 



ATE0P1A. 293 

Belladonnas Radix. Belladonna Root. The dried root of 
Atropa Belladonna. 

Atropia. A crystalline alkaloid, prepared from the root of Bella- 
donna. 

Description. The leaves are large, ovate, entire, smooth, and 
soft, fcetid when bruised ; placed in pairs, unequal in size ; the 
flowers are of a dirty violet brown ; the root is from 1 to 2 feet 
long, from ■§• an inch to 2 inches thick, tapering, and branched ; its 
colour is brownish white. The uncultivated plant is stated to be 
preferable to the cultivated. 

Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain the officinal 
alkaloid, Atropine (C 34 H 23 N0 6 ), which occurs in white crystalline 
acicular prisms ; soluble to some extent in water, much more so in 
ether and alcohol ; its solution in water has an alkaline reaction, 
yields a citron-yellow precipitate with terchloride of gold, and 
has a bitter taste. If pure, it dissolves completely in ether, and is 
entirely dissipated by heat. Atropine probably exists in the plant 
in combination with malic acid. Other principles have been de- 
scribed, as Belladonnine, &c, but little is known about them. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Leaves. (Belladonna.) Extractum Bella- 
donnas. Extract of Belladonna. (A green extract prepared from 
the juice of the leaves and young branches of belladonna.) 

[Extractum Belladonnas Alcoholicum. U. S. Six pints of tinc- 
ture are obtained from twenty-four troy ounces of belladonna 
leaves, by percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporated in a 
water-bath to the consistence of an extract.] 

Emplastrum Belladonna. Belladonna Plaster. (Extract of 
belladonna, three ounces ; soap plaster, one ounce and a half ; 
resin plaster, one ounce and a half.) [Alcoholic Extract of Bella- 
donna, a troy ounce ; resin plaster, two troy ounces. U. S.] 

Tinctura Belladonna. Tincture of Belladonna. (Belladonna 
leaves, in coarse powder, one ounce ; proof spirit, one pint. Pre- 
pared by maceration and percolation.) 

This tincture has about half the strength of Tincture Bella- 
donnas, Lond. 1851, Duo. 1850. 

[Two pints of tincture are procured from four ounces of Bella- 
donna leaf, by percolation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] 



294 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Unguentum Belladonna. Belladonna Ointment. (Extract 
of belladonna, eighty grains ; prepared lard, one ounce.) [Extract 
of belladonna, sixty grains ; water, half a fluid drachm ; lard, a 
troy ounce. The extract is first rubbed with the water and then 
with the lard. IT. S.] 

Off. Prep.— Of the Root. Atropia. This alkaloid is prepared 
by exhausting the recently dried root with rectified spirit, precipi- 
tating the colouring and other matters by means of lime, and re- 
moving the excess of lime by sulphuric acid. Three-fourths of the 
spirit are then distilled off, water added, and the liquid evaporated 
till it no longer smells of alcohol. A solution of carbonate of pot- 
ash is then added to render the fluid nearly neutral ; it is set aside 
for six hours, and filtered. The filtrate is rendered strongly alka- 
line with carbonate of potash, and shaken up well with chloro- 
form ; the chloroform is allowed to subside, and is then drawn 
off and evaporated on a water bath ; the residue is dissolved in 
warm rectified spirit digested with a little animal charcoal ; filter- 
ed ; and allowed to evaporate, and set aside to cool till crystals 
are obtained. 

Linimentum Belladonna. Belladonna Liniment. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Made by exhausting, by maceration and per- 
colation, belladonna root with rectified spirit, and afterwards add- 
ing a little camphor. Each fluid part of the liniment represents 
a solid part of the root.) 

Of Atropine. Liquor Atropine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Solution of Atropia. (A solution of atropia in water, with the 
addition of one-eighth of rectified spirit.) One ounce contains 
four grains of the alkaloid. 

Unguentum Atropia. Ointment of Atropia. [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] (Eight grains of atropia dissolved in spirit and made 
into an ointment, with one ounce of lard.) 

Therapeutics. Applied to the eye, belladonna, or any of its 
preparations, causes dilatation of the pupil, a topical effect only ; 
when applied to a painful part, relief is often afforded. Taken 
internally in small doses, the first effect noticed by the patient is 
dryness of the throat, thirst, and a difficulty of deglutition ; if 
continued, or given in larger doses, the vision becomes impaired, 
and the pupils dilated. The alteration of vision appears to be 



STEAMONII FOLIA ET SEMIJ^A. 295 

due to the production of presbyopia from want of adjusting power 
of the eye, and not to diminished sensibility of the retina : the 
further effects produced by the drug are seen in the excitement of 
the excito-motory system, and of the mental faculties, and delirium, 
generally of a harmless character, accompanied with intense thirst, 
ensues ; beyond this, belladonna produces redness of the skin, 
convulsions, coma, and death. The effects of Atrqpia are identi- 
cal with those of the plant itself. 

Belladonna is given internally to allay pain and spasm in neu- 
ralgic affections, gastrodynia, colic, and spasms of the different 
sphincters, as of the uterus, bladder, and rectum ; also in some 
nervous diseases, as chorea, epilepsy, and certain forms of hysteria, 
pertussis, asthma, and other nervous coughs. Externally, the pre- 
parations of belladonna or atropia are employed to dilate the 
pupil in ophthalmic cases ; sometimes belladonna is used in the 
form of fomentation or ointment to painful parts, sometimes as an 
injection. 

Dose. Of the extract, } gr. to 1 gr. ; of the tincture, 5 min. to 
30 min. 

Atropine should not, as a rule, be given internally ; the officinal 
solution, diluted or not, may be employed by the oculist. The 
extract or ointment of belladonna may be used for the same pur- 
pose, smeared round the eye. 

Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as soda and potash, when 
in contact with preparations of belladonna or atropine, destroy 
their activity by causing the decomposition of the atropine con- 
tained in them. 

Stramonii Folia et Semina. [Folium et Semen. U. S.] The 
dried leaves and ripe seeds of Datura Stramonium, or Thorn 
Apple ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; an indigenous plant 
growing in waste places. 

Description. The leaves are large, ovate, smooth, unequally 
sinuate, toothed, dark green, of a rank odour when fresh ; they 
should be gathered when the plants are in flower. The seeds are 
brownish-black, reniform, and flattened. 

Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain an alkaloid 
named Daturia (C34 H^ K" 6 ), in white prisms ; with properties 



296 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

like those of atropia, it is united perhaps with malic acid ; pro- 
bably daturia and atropia are identical. 

Off. Prep. — Of Seeds. Extractum Stramonii. Extract of 
Stramonium. (Prepared from the seeds by percolation with 
proof spirit, and subsequent evaporation to the consistence of 
extract.) 

[Extractum Stramonii. U. S. Made from the leaves by ex- 
pressing the juice and evaporating at a temperature not exceed- 
ing 160°. 

Extractum Stramonii Alcoholicum. U. S. Prepared by evapo- 
rating a tincture obtained by percolation.] 

Tinctura Stramonii. Tincture of Stramonium. (Stramonium 
seeds, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Therapeutics. The action of stramonium appears to be exactly 
the same as that of belladonna ; dryness of the throat, dilatation 
of the pupils, delirium, coma, and death ensue from poisonous 
doses of the drug. Stramonium has been supposed to influence 
especially the respiratory organs as an anti-spasmodic, and has 
been much used in asthma, chiefly in the form of smoke from 
the burning leaf employed in the same way as tobacco. The 
extract has also been used in convulsive coughs, as an anti- 
spasmodic and as an anodyne in gastrodynia and other painful 
affections. 

Dose. Of leaves (powdered), 1 gr. upwards ; of the extract, 
\ gr. to li gr. ; of the tincture, 10 min. to 30 min. When smoked, 
any dryness of the throat or dilatation of the pupils indicates the 
propriety of its discontinuance for a time. 

Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as soda and potash, when 
in contact with the preparations of stramonium, decompose their 
active principle, and render them inert. See Belladonna. 

Hyoscyamus. Hyoscyamus. The fresh and dried leaf and young 
branches of Hyoscyamus niger, or Henbane ; the second year's 
herb ; Lin. Syst., Penlandria monogynia ; indigenous, growing 
in waste places. [Hyosciami folium. Henbane leaf. The 
leaves of Hyosciamus niger. Hyosciami semen. Henbane 
seed. The seeds of Hyosciamus niger. IT. S.] 



TABACUM. 297 

Description. The leaves are green in colour when fresh, sessile, 
oblong, acutely sinuous, wooly or hairy, viscid and fcetid. The 
seeds are very small and brown, not officinal, but sometimes em- 
ployed medicinally. 

Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain Hyoscyamia, 
an alkaloid only once or twice obtained in a crystalline state ; 
an acid, probably malic, and a volatile principle are also present. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Hyoscyami. Extract of Hyoscyamus. 
(A green extract prepared from the juice of the fresh leaves and 
young branches, as the other green extracts.) 

[Extractum Hyosciami Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of 
Henbane. U. S. Prepared by evaporating a tincture obtained 
by percolation from the leaves.] 

Tinctura Hyoscyami. Tincture of Hyoscyamus. (Dried 
hyoscyamus leaves, two and a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty 
fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Extract of Hyoscyamus is contained in Pilula Colocynthidis et 
Hyoscyami. 

Therapeutics. Henbane appears to act as belladonna and stra- 
monium, but is much milder, and is used chiefly as a sedative in 
certain excited conditions of the nervous system when opium is 
not advisable ; it is also employed to diminish pain and allay 
irritation of the bladder, to prevent the griping of purgative me- 
dicines, ease cough, and diminish spasm in very many diseases. It, 
as well as stramonium, may be used to dilate the pupil in place of 
belladonna. 

Dose. Of the extract, 5 gr. to 10 gr., or more [of the alco- 
holic extract, 1 gr. to 3 gr.] ; of the tincture, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
or upwards. 

Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as potash or soda, 
when in contact with the preparations of henbane, destroy their 
activity by causing the decomposition of the active principle con- 
tained in them. 

Tafoacum. Leaf Tobacco. The dried leaves of ISTicotiana 
Tabacum. Virginian Tobacco ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria mono- 
gynia : growing chiefly in tropical America. 

Description. The leaves are large, ovate or oblong, lanceolate, 



298 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

acuminate, with numerous short glandular hairs ; odour slight 
when fresh, but becoming heavy or narcotic in drying ; taste 
bitter and somewhat acrid ; pale green when fresh, mottled-brown 
when dry. Officinal tobacco is not manufactured. 

Prop. & Com]}. Tobacco leaves when distilled with caustic 
potash yield a liquid alkaloid, Nicotia or Nicotina (C 20 H 14 N 2 ) ; 
when pure, it occurs as a colourless oil, but becomes yellow by 
exposure ; sp. gr. 1*027 ; volatilizes at 480° Fah. It is soluble 
in water, alcohol, and ether ; it neutralizes acids, but the salts are 
difficult to crystallize ; its solutions give rise to a precipitate 
with bichloride of platinum and tincture of galls. Nicotine is 
very poisonous and is contained in tobacco smoke. Virginian 
tobacco contains about 6 or 7 per cent, of the alkaloid. The acid 
of the plant is probably malic acid. A volatile oil, named 
jVicotianin, is also present. 

Of. Prep. Enema Tabaci. Enema of Tobacco. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Tobacco, twenty grains ; boiling water, eight fluid 
ounces.) 

Therapeutics. Tobacco, when internally administered, acts as a 
powerful sedative, especially affecting the heart ; it frequently 
causes diuresis, and has been used in dropsy. It is however 
seldom employed as an internal remedy, on account of the danger- 
ous depression often induced. Enema Tabaci was occasionally 
prescribed (although seldom since the introduction of chloroform) 
in strangulated hernia, ileus, &c. ; to produce great muscular 
relaxation. Externally, tobacco acts as a powerful irritant, and 
is occasionally ordered medicinally in the form of snuff, as an 
errhine in head affections, &c. ; also in the form of smoke, as a 
sedative and expectorant in some varieties of asthma. 

Dose. The Enema Tabaci contains about the quantity of the 
drug safe to administer at a time. 

Capsicum. Capsicum. The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fasti- 
giatum ; Guinea Pepper, Pod Pepper, Chillies ; Lin. Syst., 
Pentandria monogynia ; imported from Guinea and the East 
and West Indies. 

Description. A small oblong, cylindrical or conical membran- 
ous pod, of a bright scarlet or orange-red colour, shining on the 



DIGITALINUM. 299 

surface, divided internally into two or three cells, containing 
some spongy pulp and numerous white, flat, reniform seeds. This 
fruit is from five to eight lines long, and about two lines broad. 

Prop. <& Comp. No odour, taste hot and acrid. It contains 
a volatile principle, capsicin, somewhat like a concrete volatile 
oil, which is soluble in alcohol, ether, essential oils, and slightly 
so in water ; intensely hot in taste, and crystallizable when pure ; 
it possesses basic properties and forms crystallizable salts with 
some vegetable and mineral acids. The pod also contains a red 
extractive or colouring matter of which little is known. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Capsici. Tincture of Capsicum. (Cap- 
sicum, three quarters of an ounce ; rectified spirits, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two 
pints of tincture are obtained from a troy ounce of capsicum, in 
powder, by percolation with diluted alcohol.] 

Therapeutics. Capsicum acts as a powerful topical stimulant, 
and also on the general system ; used chiefly as a condiment, 
sometimes in atonic dyspepsia ; diarrhoea, and extreme prostra- 
tion ; as a gargle in cynanche maligna, and scarlatina ; externally 
it can be used as a rubefacient. 

Dose. Of powder, 1 gr. to 5 gr. in pills ; of tincture, 5 min. to 
10 min. As a gargle, i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. to 5 oz. of fluid. 

Adulteration. The powdered capsicum (cayenne pepper) is 
extensively adulterated with red-lead and other like coloured 
substances. 

SCROPHULABIACEJE. 

Digitalis, f Digitalis. Foxglove. The dried leaf of Digitalis 
purpurea, or Purple Foxglove ; the wild plant ; Lin. Syst., 
Didynamia angiospermia. Indigenous. 

Digitalimim. Digitaline. The active principle obtained from 
Digitalis. 
Description. The leaf is ovate, lanceolate, or oblong ; crenate 
rugous, and downy, more especially on the under surface, which 
is veined ; subsessile, or with a short petiole : of a dull green 
colour. The leaves should be gathered before the terminal 
flowers have expanded, the petiole and midrib removed, and the 
laniinse carefully dried. 



300 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Prop. & Comp. Digitalis leaves have but little odour ; their 
taste is somewhat bitter and acrid, they contain a non-nitrogenized 
amorphous principle, Digitaline, which occurs in white, or slightly- 
yellow scales or mamillated masses ; very bitter, without odour, 
but irritating to the nostrils ; little soluble in water and ether, 
but readily soluble in spirit. Soluble in acid solutions, but with- 
out neutralizing them ; its solution in hydrochloric acid soon be- 
comes green : when burnt on platina foil it leaves no residue. 
Several other substances have been said to occur, to which peculiar 
names have been given, but whose nature and properties are but 
ill-understood. The leaves, however, contain some tannin. 

Off. Prep. — Of Digitalis. Infusum Digitalis. Infusion of 
Digitalis. (Dried digitalis leaves, thirty graius ; boiling distilled 
water, ten fluid ounces.) [Digitalis, in coarse powder, sixty 
grains ; tincture of cinnamon, a fluid ounce ; boiling water, half a 
pint. U.S.] 

Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of Digitalis. (Digitalis leaves, 
dried, two and a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Digitaline is prepared by making a strong tincture of the leaves 
by digestion in rectified spirit at a temperature of 120° ; and 
treating the extract obtained from the evaporation of the tincture 
with water acidulated with acetic acid ; from this solution, after 
neutralization with ammonia, the digitaline is precipitated by 
tannic acid ; the tannic acid is afterwards removed by rubbing the 
tannate of digitaline with oxide of lead (litharge), and spirit ; by 
which an insoluble tannate of lead is formed, and the digitaline 
set free and dissolved by the spirit. This solution after decolor- 
ization with a small amount of animal charcoal is evaporated, and 
the residual digitaline washed repeatedly with ether to remove 
any impurities. 

Therapeutics. When taken internally, the most marked effect 
produced by the drug is the weakening of the heart's power, ac- 
companied by a diminished rate of the pulse ; some observers 
assert, that the heart's action is primarily quickened. If the dose 
be increased, or continued after a certain amount of cardiac weak- 
ness has been induced, symptoms of an alarming character may 
arise, such as nausea, vomiting, faintness, and syncope : this is 



DIGIT ALLNTOI. 301 

especially apt to occur when the patient attempts to make any 
exertion, or even to sit or stand up ; in fact, patients under the 
full influence of the drug, which is sometimes purposely induced, 
are only in safety when in an horizontal position. Although digi- 
talis acts so powerfully upon the heart, yet its influence over the 
capillary circulation, when in a morbid condition, is by no means 
so powerfully exercised as in the case of antimonial and mercurial 
preparations. Digitalis often produces copious diuresis, more 
especially when the deficiency of the urinary secretion depends on 
cardiac disease ; it also occasionally induces sleep, or acts as a 
sedative and soporific, but only when the restlessness is due to an 
over-excited state of the heart. Digitalis is administered as a 
cardiac sedative in almost all cases where there is exalted action, 
whether sympathetic in nature, or depending on organic disease of 
that organ, or of the great vessels, as in hypertrophy, aneurism, or 
valvular disease, &c. ; it should, however, always be borne in 
mind, that increased action of the heart is not always an indica- 
tion of increased strength. Digitalis may be given also in haemor- 
rhages of an active character, and as a diuretic in dropsies de- 
pending on the above-named cardiac diseases, and sometimes in 
other forms. Some practitioners have proposed the use of digitalis 
in inflammatory affections, but in these cases its efficacy has not 
been well established. It has also been employed in phthisis, 
but without permanent benefit ; for although it often in these 
cases diminishes the rapidity of the pulse, it exerts no influence on 
the progress of the tubercular disease. Digitalis is generally as- 
serted to be a drug the action of which is cumulative in character : 
the explanation of this peculiarity appears to the author to be as 
follows, viz. : that considerable weakening of the heart's action 
may occur without any very evident symptom being produced ; 
but if this is increased above a certain point, so as to interfere 
with the efficiency of the circulation, then all the symptoms are 
rapidly and dangerously manifested. 

Dose. Of the powdered leaves, £■ gr. to 2 gr. ; of infusion, 2 fl. 
drms. to \ fl. oz. or more ; of tincture, 5 min. to 40 min. and up- 
wards ; of digitaline, ? V gr. to T V gr. 

Adulteration. Digitalis leaves are occasionally mixed with those 
of Veroascum thapsus and other plants. Attention to the charac- 



302 MATEBIA MEDICA. 

ters of the true leaf, above given, will readily distinguish the 
admixture. 

LABXATJE. 

Rosmarini Oleum. English Oil of Rosemary. The oil distilled 
in England from the flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis, 
or rosemary ; Lin. Syst., Diandria monogynia ; growing chiefly 
on the hills in the South of Europe. 

Prop. & Comp. This oil has the fragrant odour and taste of 
the plant, colourless, sp. gr. 0*888. It is an oxidized oil or a 
hydrocarbon (C 20 H 16 ) containing a species of camphor (C 20 H 16 2 ) 
in solution. 

Of. Prep. Spieitus Rosmarini. Spirit of Rosemary. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (English oil of rosemary, one fluid ounce ; 
rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) This preparation contains about 
thirty-one times as much oil of rosemary as Spiritus Rosmarini. 
Lond. 1851. 

The oil of rosemary is contained also in Tinct. Lavand. comp. 
and Linimentum saponis. 

Therapeutics. A powerful stimulant • useful in hysteria, and 
nervous headaches ; externally it is used as a rubefacient and for 
its odour. 

Pose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of the spirit, 10 min. to 50 
min., or more. 

Lavandulae Oleum. English Oil of Lavender. The oil distilled 
in England from the flower of Lavandula vera or Common * 
Lavender ; Lin. Syst., Diandria monogynia ; a native of Southern 
Europe ; much cultivated in gardens in Surrey. Oil of Spike 
(French Lavender) is often used in lieu of the English oil. 

Description, Prop. <& Comp. Oil of Lavender, which gives 
the odour and taste to the plant, is of a pale yellow colour, and a 
hot bitter aromatic taste. Sp. gr. 0*877. It is an oxidized vola- 
tile oil or a hydrocarbon (C 20 H 16 ) containing a camphor (C 20 H 16 2 ) 
dissolved in it. 

Off. Prep. Spiritus Lavandula. Spirit of Lavender. (Eng- 
lish oil of lavender, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid 
ounces.) [Fresh lavender, twenty- four troy ounces ; alcohol, eight 
pints ; water, two pints. Distil eight pints. U. S.] 



MEOTHJ3 PIPEEITJE OLEUM. 303 

Tinctuea Lavandulae Composita. Compound Tincture of 
Lavender. (Oil of lavender, one fluid drachm and a half ; oil of 
rosemary, ten minims ; cinnamon and nutmeg, bruised, each one 
hundred and fifty grains ; red sandalwood, three hundred grains ; 
rectified spirit, forty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) 
[Spiritus Lavandulae Compositus. Compound Spirits of Lavender. 
U. S. Oil of lavender, a fluid ounce j oil of rosemary, two fluid 
drachms ; cinnamon, in powder, two troy ounces ; cloves, in powder, 
half a troy ounce ; nutmeg, in powder, a troy ounce ; red saunders, 
in powder, three hundred and sixty grains ; alcohol, six pints ; 
water, two pints ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. The oils 
are dissolved in the alcohol, the water added ; the mixed powders 
are percolated with this fluid, and sufficient diluted alcohol to 
make the percolate amount to eight pints.] 

Oil of lavender is contained also in lin. camphor, comp. 

Therapeutics. Oil of lavender is stimulant and carminative ; 
used in hysteria, hypochondriasis, and other nervous affections, 
also in flatulence and colic. 

Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of spirit of lavender, 10 
min. to 50 min. ; of the compound tincture, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
or more. » 

Adulteration. Oil of spike is sometimes mixed or substituted 
for the true oil of lavender ; oil of turpentine is also mixed with it. 

Menthae Piperitee Oleum. English Oil of Peppermint. The 
oil distilled in England from the fresh flowering plant of Mentha 
Piperita, Peppermint ; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnospermia ; 
indigenous, growing in damp places. 

Prop. & Comp. The peppermint plant owes its virtues to the 
presence of the Volatile oil, which is colourless or pale-yellow, hav- 
ing the odour of peppermint, with a warm aromatic taste, suc- 
ceeded by a sensation of coldness in the mouth. Sp. gr. 0'92. It 
is an oxidized volatile oil, or a hydrocarbon (C 20 H 18 ) containing a 
camphor (C 20 H 18 + 2 HO) dissolved in it. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Mentele Piperita. Peppermint Water. 
(English oil of peppermint, one fluid drachm and a half ; water, 
one gallon and a half; distil one gallon). [Oil of peppermint, 
half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, sixty grains ; distil- 



304 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

led water, two pints. Rub the oil with the magnesia, then with 
the water, and filter. U. S.] 

Spiritus Mentha Piperita. Spirit of Peppermint. (English 
oil of peppermint, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid 
ounces.) This spirit contains about forty-seven times as much oil 
of peppermint as spiritus menthae piperitae. Loud. [Oil of pepper- 
mint, a fluid ounce ; peppermint, in powder, one hundred and 
twenty grains ; stronger alcohol, fifteen fluid ounces. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Oil of peppermint is stimulant and carminative ; 
used as an adjunct to purgatives, to correct flatulency, &c. 

Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of the aqua menthae pip., 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. of spirit, menthae pip., 5 min. to 50 min. 

MenthSB Viridis Oleum. English Oil of Spearmint. The oil 
distilled in England from the fresh herb when in flower of 
Mentha viridis, Spearmint ; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnosper- 
mia ; indigenous, growing in marshy places. 

Prop. c& Comp. The plant owes its virtues to the Volatile oil. 
which is colourless or pale yellow with the odour and taste of 
spearmint, sp. gr. 0*914. It is an oxidized volatile oil or a hydro- 
carbon (C 20 H 10 2 ), containing a camphor in solution. 

Of. Prep. Aqua Mentha Viridis. Spearmint Water. 
(English oil of spearmint, one fluid drachm and a half ; water, one 
gallon and a half. Distil one gallon.) [Oil of spearmint, half a 
fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, six grains ; distilled water 
two pints. Rub the oil with the magnesia, then with the water, 
and filter. U. S.] 

[Spiritus Mentele Yiridis. Spirit of Spearmint. U. S. Oil 
of spearmint, a fluid ounce • spearmint, in coarse powder, one 
hundred^ind twenty grains ; stronger alcohol, fifteen fluid ounces.] 

Therapeutics. Spearmint oil is stimulant and carminative ; 
and is used as an adjunct to purgative medicines, to correct flatu- 
lency, &c. 

Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of aqua menthae viridis, 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

Pulegii Oleum. Oil of Pennyroyal. (Not officinal.) The oil 
distilled from the flowering plant of Mentha Pulegium, or 
Pennyroyal ; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnospermia ; indige- 
nous, growing in marshy places. 



KHEUM. 305 

Prop. & Comp. Oil of Pulegium, is yellowish, sp. gr. 0*95. 
It is an oxidized oil or hydrocarbon, containing a camphor in 
solution. 

Therapeutics. As oil of mentha piperita, and mentha viridis. 

Dose. The same as the oil of mentha piperita, and mentha 
viridis. 

Two other plants belonging to this order, namely, Origanum 
Vulgare, the Common Marjoram, containing a volatile oil, and 
possessing properties similar to those of Rosmarinus ; and Mar- 
rubium Vulgare, or Horehound, possessing a bitter principle as 
well as a volatile oil, were formerly contained in the Pharmaco- 
poeia ; the latter is still used in domestic medicine as a tonic, ex- 
pectorant, and alterative, in phthisis, chronic hepatitis, and in 
cachexia from various causes. 

% 
Sub- Class IV. Apetal^:. 

POLYGONACE^S. 

Rheum. Rhubarb. The root of an undetermined species of Rheum ; 
Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia ; growing in Chinese Thibet 
and Tartary. This definition includes the Russian, the East 
Indian and Dutch-trimmed or Batavian rhubarbs. Many 
species of Rheum are known to botanists, but although great 
exertions have been made, as yet the species yielding the 
Chinese rhubarb has not been discovered. 

Description. Russian or so-called Turkey rhubarb occurs in 
irregular-shaped, flat, or cylindrical, angular pieces, the cortex 
having been removed by slicing ; externally it is smooth and 
yellow and not turned brown by boracic acid ; the texture is 
compact ; the fracture uneven, and marbled red and grey ; the 
powder is bright buff-yellow, and the odour rather aromatic ; 
taste astringent and disagreeable ; it feels gritty, and tinges the 
saliva bright yellow ; the pieces have generally a hole drilled in 
them. 

East Indian, or half-trimmed rhubarb, differs from the last in 
not being angular, but slightly rounded, with adhering portions of 
21 



306 MATEE1A MEDICA. 

the cortex, as if it had been scraped and sliced ; externally it is 
red and veined, not covered with yellow powder, as the Russian 
variety ; also denser, with a smoother fracture, less gritty, and 
the powder of a redder hue. 

Another variety is called Dutch-trimmed or Batavian rhubarb ; 
in round or flattened pieces, angular, and drilled with a hole ; 
probably of the same origin as the Russian. 

Besides these officinal varieties, others are met with, as the 
Himalayan, Canton stick, and English rhubarb. Some of the 
Himalayan, according to Dr. Royle, is yielded by Rheum Emodi, 
Morecroftianum and Webbianum ; the English variety is derived 
from Rheum Rhaponticum, and grows near Banbury. 

Prop. & Comp. Rhubarb contains a principle, Rheine or Chry- 
sojphanic acid, which occurs in crystalline needles of a golden yel- 
low, metallic lustre (C 20 H 8 6 ), sparingly soluble in water, freely 
so in alkaline solutions, which are of a reddish-brown colour ; 
rheine is soluble also in hot alcohol and ether. Various resins 
have been also obtained from Rhubarb ; but although numerous 
analyses have been made, the peculiar purgative principle has not 
yet been isolated. Rhubarb yields its active properties to boil- 
ing water, also to alcohol. Crystals of oxalate of lime are found 
in it in considerable quantities, forming at times in the Russian 
variety, in which they are most numerous, as much as 35 per 
cent, of the drug. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Rhei. Extract of Rhubarb. (Pre- 
pared by macerating one pound of rhubarb in five pints of water 
and ten fluid ounces of rectified spirit, and subsequent evapora- 
tion of the solution at a temperature not above 160°.) 

[Extractum Rhei Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of Rhu- 
barb. U. S. Rhubarb, twelve troy ounces ; alcohol, a pint ; 
diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. A tincture is obtained by 
percolation, and evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 160° 
to form an extract.] 

Infusum Rhel Infusion of Rhubarb. (Sliced rhubarb, quarter 
of an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Bruised 
rhubarb, one hundred and twenty grains ; boiling water, half a 
pint. U. S.] 

Pilula Rhei Composita. Compound Rhubarb Pill. (Rhu- 



TXNCTUBA EHE1. 307 

barb, powdered, three ounces ; socotrine aloes, powdered, two 
ounces and a quarter ; myrrh, finely powdered, one ounce and 
a half ; hard soap, one ounce and a half ; English oil of pepper- 
mint, one and a half fluid drachms ; treacle, by weight, four 
ounces.) [Rhubarb, in powder, a troy ounce ; socotrine aloes, 
in powder, three hundred and sixty grains ; myrrh, in powder, 
half a troy ounce ; oil of peppermint, half a fluid drachm. Beat 
them with water so as to form a pilular mass, to be divided into 
two hundred and forty pills. U. S.] 

Pulyis Rhei Compositus. Compound Rhubarb Powder. 
(Gregory's Powder.) (Rhubarb, two ounces ; light magnesia, [mag- 
nesia. U. S.] six ounces \ ginger, one ounce.) 

Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. (Rhubarb, two ounces ; 
cardamons, quarter of an ounce ; coriander, quarter of an ounce ; 
saffron, quarter of an ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Made by maceration and percolation.) 

[Rhubarb, three troy ounces ; cardamom, half a troy ounce ; 
diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints of tincture are 
obtained by percolation. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Rhubarb acts as a stomachic and slight astrin- 
gent in small doses ; as a purgative, in larger ones. Its purgative 
action is generally followed by constipation, dependent on its 
astringent constituents ; it differs from many cathartics in not 
causing irritation of the alimentary canal. The urine becomes 
coloured by it, as also do the perspiration and the milk. In 
consequence of its purgative properties it is often used at the 
commencement of diarrhoea depending on the presence of irritant 
matter in the canal, which is thus expelled, and the subsequent 
astringent effect afterwards exercised proves very valuable. It 
is frequently combined with magnesia, especially when given 
to children, as in the form of Gregory's powder. In cases of 
atonic dyspepsia, attended with some constipation, it is a valuable 
remedial agent ; but if prescribed in cases of habitual constipation, 
should be combined with some other laxative. In scrofulous 
children it is sometimes useful, combined with a mercurial alter- 
ative, aiding and giving tone to the digestive organs, &c. Ex- 
ternally it has been applied to indolent ulcers. 



308 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Dose. Of powdered rhubarb, 1 gr. to 5 gr. as a stomachic ; 
10 gr. to 30 gr. as a purgative ; of infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. : 
of the tincture, as a stomachic, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; as a 
purgative, -J fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. ; of compound rhubarb pill, 10 gr. 
to 20 gr. ; of the compound powder, 5 gr. to 10 gr. for children ; 
for an adult, 20 gr. to 60 gr. and upwards. 

Adulterations. Rhubarb is very often extensively adulterated. 
Inferior varieties of rhubarb, as the English, are substituted for 
the Russian, &c. If turmeric be present, it is reddened by 
boracic acid, which has no such effect upon the colouring matter of 
rhubarb. In English rhubarb the starch is generally in excess, 
the oxalate of lime in small amounts only ; the proportions of 
these ingredients are reversed in the Chinese varieties. 

MYRISTACEJE. 

Myristica. Nutmeg. The kernel of the seed of Myristica 

Officinalis. [The kernel of the fruit of Myristica Fragrans, U.S.] 
Lin. Syst., Disecia monodelphia ; imported from Sumatra and the 
Molucca Islands. 

Myiisticee Adeps. Concrete Oil of Nutmeg. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] A concrete oil obtained from nutmegs by expression 
and heat. 

Myristicse Oleum. Volatile Oil of Nutmeg. The oil distilled 
in England from the nutmeg. 

Description. The nutmeg is of a spheroidal shape, resembling 
that of a small bird's egg, about an inch in length, externally 
marked with reticulated furrows, greyish red internally, with 
dark brownish veins ; it has a peculiar odour and a bitter aro- 
matic taste. The cut surface presents a mottled appearance, 
produced by numerous veins in which the oil is situated. The 
concrete oil, or fat, is of a firm consistence, an orange colour, and 
has the odour of the nutmeg. The volatile oil, obtained by 
distillation, is colourless or of a straw yellow colour, with the 
odour and taste of the nutmeg. 

Prop. & Comp. By expression nutmegs yield about 30 per cent, 
of the concrete oil, soluble in four times its weight of boiling 
alcohol, and half that quantity of ether, consisting of a fixed oil 
or fat, united with a volatile oil, which last has asp. gr. 0'95, and is 



CIJSnSTAMOMI OLEUM. 309 



the same as that obtained by distillation. The fixed fat yields a 
peculiar acid, myristic acid (HO, C 28 , H 27 , 3 ), crystallizing in silky 
needles. Nutmeg contains, besides these principles, woody fibre, 
and the ordinary constituents of seeds. 

Off. Prep. — Of Nutmeg. Nutmeg is one of the ingredients of 

the aromatic powder, and the compound tincture of lavender. 

Of the Concrete Oil. This is used in the preparation of the pitch 
plaster. 

Of the Volatile Oil. Spiritus Myristic^. Spirit of Nutmeg. 
(Volatile oil of nutmeg, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine 
fluid ounces.) [Nutmeg, bruised, two troy ounces ; diluted alcohol, 
eight pints ; water, a pint. Distil eight pints. U. S.] 

Volatile oil of nutmeg also forms one of the ingredients of 
aromatic spirit of ammonia. 

Therapeutics. Nutmeg is an aromatic and gentle stimulant. 
In very large doses it is said to possess narcotic properties. It 
is perhaps more frequently used for giving flavour to farinaceous 
and other articles of food, than for its medicinal properties. 
Applied externally, it acts as a topical stimulant. 

Dose. Of nutmeg in powder, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of the volatile 
oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of the spiritus myristicse, 10 min. to 50 min. 

LAURACEiE. 

Cinnamomum. Cinnamon. The inner bark of shoots from the 
truncated stocks of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, or Cinnamon ; 
Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia ; growing chiefly in Ceylon, 
and distinguished in commerce as Ceylon cinnamon. [The bark 
of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum and Cinnamomum Aromaticum. 
U.S.] 

Cinnamomi Oleum. The Oil of Cinnamon, distilled from cinna- 
mon, imported from Ceylon. [The volatile oil obtained from 
the bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. U. S. ] 
Description. Cinnamon bark is about Jth of a line in thickness? 
in closely-rolled quills, which are about 4 lines in diameter, con- 
taining several small quills within them ; the colour is a charac- 
teristic brown ; brittle, and with a splintery fracture ; it has an 
aromatic odour, and warm astringent taste. The oil is of a bright 
yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the bark, but it gradu- 
ally becomes red ; it is heavier than water. 



310 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Prop. & Comp. The bark owes its important properties to the 
oil, but besides this oil, tannic acid is present in notable quanti- 
ties, also resin, and cinnamic acid, &c. The essential part of oil 
of cinnamon has a composition represented by the formula (C M H 7 
2 H) or a hydride of cinnamyl ; but there is likewise a hydrocar- 
bon (C 20 H 16 ) in small amounts. Hydride of cinnamyl, when treated 
with hydrate of potash, is resolved into cinnamic acid (HO, C 18 H 7 , 
3 ) and hydrogen ; and when exposed to the air, it gradually ab- 
sorbs oxygen with the formation of cinnamic acid and a resin ; 
both of which products of decomposition, as above stated, are found 
in the bark. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Bark. Aqua Cinnamomi. Cinnamon Water. 
(Cinnamon, bruised, twenty ounces ; water, two gallons. Distil 
one gallon.) [Oil of cinnamon, half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of 
magnesia, sixty grains ; distilled water, two pints. Rub the oil 
with the carbonate of magnesia, then with the water. U. S.] 

Pulvis Aromaticus. Aromatic Powder. (Cinnamon, nutmeg, 
and saffron, of each three ounces ; cloves, one ounce and a half J 
cardamoms, free from their capsules, one ounce ; refined sugar, 
twenty-five ounces.) [Cinnamon, ginger, each in fine powder, two 
troy ounces ; cardamom, deprived of the capsules, nutmeg, each 
in fine powder, a troy ounce. U. S .] 

Pulvis Cinnamomi Compositus, Lond. 1851. Compound Cin- 
namon Powder. (Cinnamon, two ounces ; cardamoms, one ounce 
and a half ; ginger, one ounce ; long pepper, half an ounce. Rub 
together to a very fine powder.) 

Tinctura Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. (Cinnamon, in 
coarse powder, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, 20 fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Cinnamon bark is also contained in the compound tincture of 
lavender. 

Therapeutics. Cinnamon is stimulant, aromatic, and carmina- 
tive, also somewhat astringent ; useful as an adjunct in diarrhoea. 
The oil may be employed in flatulence, and as a corrigent to pur- 
gatives. 

Dose. Of the powdered bark, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of aqua cinna- 
momi, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of pulv. aromaticus, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; 



SPIEITUS CAMPHOE^E. 311 

of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of oleum einnamomi, 1 min. 
to 5 min. 

Adulteration. The bark called Cassia, or Chinese Cinnamon 
(from Cinnamomum Cassias), is detected by its greater thickness 
and roughness, and less aromatic odour and taste. 

Camphora, Camphor. A concrete volatile oil, prepared by sub- 
limation of the wood of Camphora officinarum, and resublimed 
in England, in bell-shaped masses. Lin. Syst., Enneandria mo- 
nogynia ; Rough camphor is imported from China. 
Description. Camphor is usually sublimed in the form of hol- 
low hemispherical cakes, and these are broken into small masses, 
which are crystalline, white, semitransparent and tough, with a 
peculiar odour and taste, at first pungent, followed by a sensation 
of cold. Crude camphor, as imported, is in the form of small crys- 
talline grains, of a dirty white colour ; this is mixed with lime 
before it is sublimed. 

Prop. & Comp. Camphor is rather tough and difficult to pul- 
verize, except when a few drops of spirit are added : sp. gr. 0*98. 
It is soluble in alcohol, ether, the volatile and fixed oils ; little so 
in water, yet sufficient is taken up to give a strong taste and odour 
to that liquid ; it sublimes entirely when heated. It has the 
nature of a concrete volatile oil, and its formula is (C 20 H 16 2 ). 
Boiling point 399°. It is changed into camphoric acid by nitric acid. 

Off. Prep. Aqua Camphors. Camphor water. 

Synonym. Mistura Camphors. (Camphor, broken into pieces, 
half an ounce ; distilled water, one gallon.) [Camphor, one hundred 
and twenty grains ; alcohol, forty minims ; carbonate of magnesia, 
half a troy ounce ; distilled water, two pints. Rub the camphor 
first with alcohol, then with the carbonate of magnesia, and lastly 
with the water. U. S.] 

Linimentum Camphors. Camphor Liniment. (Camphor, one 
ounce ; olive oil, four fluid ounces.) 

Linimentum Camphors Compositum. Compound Liniment of 
Camphor. (Camphor, two ounces and a half; English oil of lav- 
ender, one fluid drachm ; strong solution of ammonia, five fluid 
ounces ; rectified spirit, fifteen fluid ounces.) [Not officinal in 
U. S. P.] 

Spiritus Camphorjs. Spirit of Camphor. (Camphor, one fluid 



312 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) [Camphor, four troy 
ounces ; alcohol, two pints. U. S.] 

Tinctuea Camphors cum Opio. Camphorated Tincture of 
Opium. (Opium, in coarse powder, forty grains ; benzoic acid, 
forty grains ; camphor, thirty grains ; oil of anise, half a fluid 
drachm ; proof spirit, a pint ; one fluid drachm contains a quarter 
of a grain of opium.) 

Linimentum Saponis. Liniment of soap also contains camphor. 

Therapeutics. Stimulant at first, afterwards sedative ; its action 
is exerted on the brain and nervous system, also upon the skin 
and mucous membranes. Externally it acts as a stimulant. Used 
in mania and melancholia as a calmative ; in hysterical and other 
spasmodic nervous affections as an anti-spasmodic ; in painful 
affections of the urinary organs, and dysmenorrhea, as a sedative ; 
and in febrile conditions, the exanthemata, rheumatism, <fcc., as a 
diaphoretic. Externally, it is employed to stiff and painful parts. 

Dose. Of camphor, 5 gr. upwards ; of camphor water, 1 fl. oz. 
to 3 fl. oz. ; of the spirit, 10 min. to 30 min., suspended in water 
(which precipitates it) by means of mucilage ; of the tincture of 
camphor with opium, or camphorated tincture of opium, 1 fl. drm. 
upwards. 

Adulteration. Camphor is not often adulterated, but another 
kind, called Borneo Camphor, from Dryobalanops Camphora, a 
guttiferous plant, is sometimes met with ; heavier than water, less 
volatile, and more opaque than true camphor. An artificial cam- 
phor can be made by passing hydrochloric acid gas through vola- 
tile oil of turpentine. 

Sassafras. Sassafras. [Sassafras Kadicis Cortex. The bark 

of the root. U. S.] The dried root of Sassafras Officinale, or 

Sassafras tree ; Lin. Syst., Ermeandria monogynia ; growing 

in the United States and Canada. 

Description. In branched pieces, sometimes eight inches in 

diameter at the crown, the wood, light and spongy, of a pale 

grayish-brown colour ; the bark, dark reddish-brown, also spongy ; 

odour agreeable ; taste warm, sweet, and aromatic ; the bark is 

more powerful than the wood, it is also met with in chips. 

Prop. & Comp. Sassafras root contains a volatile oil, resin, 
and a principle called sassafrin, with a little tannin, &c. 



BEBEEIJ3 STTLPA3. 313 

Off. Prep. It is contained in Decoctum Sarsse Compositum. 

Therapeutics. A stimulant and diaphoretic, seldom given alone ; 
used in chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, and syphilis. The vola- 
tile oil, Oleum Sassafras, may be employed. 

Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. 

Laurus. Sweet Bayberry (not officinal). The fruit of Laurus no. 
bilis, or Sweet Bay ; Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia ; grow- 
ing in the South of Europe, cultivated in this country. 

Description. The fruit is ovoid, about the size of a small cherry, 
wrinkled ; dark brown or purple colour ; consisting of a friable 
sarcocarp, including two oval fatty cotyledons ; the odour is aro- 
matic, and the taste warm, Bayberry leaves were formerly used 
in medicine ; they are still employed by the confectioner. 

Prop. & Comp. Bayberries contain a volatile oil, together 
with & fixed fatty oil / when pressed, both these are separated, and 
called Oil of Bays. 

Therapeutics. Slightly stimulant and aromatic. 

Adulteration. It is worthy of note, that the leaves of Laurus 
Cerasus, or Cherry Laurel, order Amygdalacese, yielding prussic 
acid, have been occasionally substituted for the bay-laurel leaf, a 
dangerous exchange. 

Nectandra. Bebeeru Bark. The Bark of Nectandra Rodiagi, the 
Green-heart Tree. The bark imported from British Guiana. 

Beberiae Sulpas. Sulphate of Beberia. The sulphate of an alka- 
loid, prepared from the Bebeeru bark. 

Description. The bark is found in large flat pieces, from 1 one 
to two feet long, from two to six inches broad, and about a quarter 
of an inch thick, heavy, hard and fibrous ; of a grayish-brown 
colour externally, reddish or cinnamon brown within ; taste very 
bitter, with some astringency. 

Prop. & Corny. Bebeeru bark contains an alkaloid, not yet 
crystallized, Beberia or Bibirine (C 38 H 21 N 6 ), a yellow resinous- 
looking body ; soluble in alcohol, slightly in ether, scarcely in 
water ; it forms salts with acids ; the commercial and officinal salt 
is the impure sulphate which occurs in dark brown, thin, translucent 
scales, yellow when powdered, with a strong bitter taste, soluble 



314 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

in water and alcohol. Composition (C 38 H 21 N0 6 , S0 3 ). Its watery 
solution gives a white precipitate with chloride of barium, and 
with caustic soda a yellowish white precipitate which is dissolved 
by agitating the mixture with twice its volume of ether. The 
etherial solution separated by a pipette and evaporated, leaves 
a yellow translucent residue, entirely soluble in dilute acids. It 
leaves no ash when burnt ; water forms with it a clear brown 
solution. 

Off. Prep. Sulphate op Beberia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
Sulphate of beberia is prepared by exhausting the powdered bark 
by maceration and percolation with water, strongly acidulated 
with sulphuric acid. The colouring and other matters are then 
precipitated from this solution by mixing it with milk of lime 
(not sufficient to render the fluid alkaline), and the deposit sepa- 
rated by filtration. To the filtered solution ammonia is added 
until the fluid has a faint ammoniacal odour, the precipitate which 
forms is collected on a cloth, squeezed and dried in a vapour bath. 
The precipitate is powdered and exhausted by repeated boiling 
with rectified spirit and to the solution water is added, and the 
spirit recovered by distillation ; the residue is treated with dilute 
sulphuric acid, till the fluid becomes slightly acid, it is then eva- 
porated to dryness on a water bath, pulverized and the powder 
treated with cold water, which dissolves the sulphate of beberia, 
the solution is evaporated to a syrupy consistence, and spread in 
thin layers on flat porcelain or glass plates, and dried at a heat 
not exceeding 140°. It should be preserved in well-stoppered 
bottles. 

Therapeutics. The bark is seldom given ; the sulphate of 
beberia is tonic and antiperiodic ; used in debility and periodic 
affections, it has been found but an imperfect substitute for 
quinine. 

Dose. Of the sulphate of beberia, 2 gr. to 10 gr. 



Serpentaria. Serpentary. The dried root of Aristolochia Ser- 
pentaria, Serpentary, or Virginian Snake-root ; Lin. Syst., 
Gynandria hexandria ; grown in Virginia and other parts of 
the United States. 



MEZEEEUM. 315 

Description. A small root-stock with numerous small radicles, 
about three inches long, of a pale grayish-brown colour ; aromatic 
and camphoraceous odour, and bitter camphoraceous taste. 

jProp. & Comp. Serpentary contains a volatile oil and resin ; 
also a bitter extractive matter ; the latter soluble in water, the 
former in spirit. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Serpentarle. Infusion of Serpentary. 
(Serpentary, a quarter of an ounce. Boiling distilled water, ten 
fluid ounces.) [A pint of infusion is prepared by percolation from 
half a troy ounce of powdered root, or by maceration for two hours 
with boiling water. U. S.] 

Tinctura Serpentary. Tincture of Serpentary. (Serpentary, 
bruised, two ounces and a half. Proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Serpentary is contained also in Tinct. Cinchonae Comp. 

Therapeutics. A stimulant and tonic : also diaphoretic and 
diuretic. It is sometimes used in atonic dyspepsia, chronic 
rheumatism, in low febrile states, and to promote eruption in the 
exanthemata. 

Dose. Of the powdered root, 10 gr. to 20 gr. or more ; of 
the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, \ fl. drm. to 
li fl. drm. 

Asarum Europium, or Asarabacca, belongs to this order ; 
the leaves were formerly used as an errhine : they cause powerful 
vomiting and purging when administered internally. 

THYMELACEiE. 

Mezereum. Mezereon. The dried bark of Daphne Mezereum, 
or Mezereon ; Lin. Syst., Octandria monogynia ; or Daphne 
Laureola. The Spurge Laurel. The latter is chiefly found in 
commerce; indigenous. 

Description. Thin, flat, or curled pieces of various lengths ; 
tough, of a brown colour outside, but white and fibrous within, 
with slight odour, taste hot and very acrid. 

Prop. <& Comp. An acrid volatile oil, acrid resin, and a crys- 
talline principle, daphnin. When the root is boiled in water, an 
acrid vapour rises. 



316 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Off. Prep. It is contained in Decoctum Sars^e Compositum. 

Therapeutics. Mezereon is a powerful local irritant, and even 
vesicant ; it causes vomiting and purging in large doses, but in 
small ones, diaphoresis and diuresis. Used in chronic rheuma- 
tism, syphilis, scrofulous and skin diseases. Seldom given in this 
country, except in the compound decoction of sarsaparilla. In 
America an ointment is used. 

Dose. Of compound decoction of sarsaparilla, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. 
oz. or more. 

EUPHORBIACEJE. 

Cascarilla, Cascarilla. The bark of Croton Eleuteria, or Casca- 
rilla bush ; Lin. Syst., Monoecia monodelphia : growing in the 
Bahamas. 

Description. In small quilled pieces, from 2 to 4 inches long, 
and from 2 to 5 lines in diameter ; about the size of a pencil, 
fissured in both directions, of a dull brown colour, but spotted 
white with crustaceous lichens ; short fracture ; sometimes it oc- 
curs in small flattened pieces without lichens. 

Prop. d? Comp. Odour spicy and pleasant, taste bitter and 
aromatic, its properties are yielded to water and spirit. It emits 
a fragrant odour when burned. The bark contains a bitter mat- 
er, in which a crystalline substance, Oascarilline, has been stated 
to exist ; besides which, there are at present some tannic acid, 
colouring matter, and a volatile oil. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Cascarilla. Infusion of Cascarilla. 
(Cascarilla, in coarse powder, one ounce ; boiling distilled water, 
ten fluid ounces.) [A pint of infusion is made from a troy ounce of 
cascarilla, in powder, by percolation, or by maceration, with boil- 
ing water. U. S.] 

Tinctura Cascarilla. Tincture of Cascarilla. [Not offici- 
nal in U. S. P.] (Cascarilla, bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof 
spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and perco- 
lation.) 

Therapeutics. Cascarilla is an aromatic stomachic and tonic, 
useful in atonic dyspepsia, and in recovery from acute diseases ; 
it seems also to possess antiperiodic powers, but is much less 



E1CLN1 OLEUM. 317 

powerful than Cinchona, and is now seldom employed in inter- 
nrittents. 

Doses. Of powdered bark, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of the infusion 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, \ fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

Oleum Crotonis. [Oleum Tiglii. IT. S.] Croton Oil. The Oil 
expressed in England from the seed of Croton Tiglium [the oil 
obtained from the seeds of Croton Tiglium. IT. S.] ; Lin. 
Syst., Monoecia monodelphia ; growing in the East Indies. 

Description. The oil is slightly viscid, from pale yellow to 
brownish-yellow in colour, of a disagreeable odour and acrid taste. 
The seeds from which the oil is expressed are smaller and duller 
in appearance, but otherwise much resemble castor oil seeds. The 
kernels yield from 50 to 60 per cent, of oil. 

Prop. & Comp. Croton oil contains a volatile oily acid, Cro- 
tonic acid (not active), and a fixed oil. It is soluble in ether and 
volatile oils ; agitated with its own volume of alcohol, and gently 
heated, it forms a clear solution from which about three-fourths of 
the oil separate on cooling. 

Off. Prep. Linimentum Crotonis. Liniment of Croton Oil. 
[Not officinal in IT. S. P.] (Croton oil, half a fluid ounce ; olive 
oil, three fluid ounces and a half.) 

Therapeutics. A most powerful irritant, drastic, purgative, 
often causing nausea and vomiting ; used in obstinate constipation 
and cerebral affections, as apoplexy ; also in very minute quanti- 
ties as an ordinary purgative. Externally it gives rise to pustu- 
lation, and diluted with olive oil or soap liniment, is a valuable 
counter-irritant. 

Dose. Of the oil, -J- min. to 2 min., placed on the tongue ; or 
formed into a pill with crumb of bread. As an adjunct, ^ min. 
upwards. 

Adulteration. Other fixed oils, as castor oil, might be added, 
which would be difficult to detect. 

Ricini Oleum. Castor Oil. The oil (expressed in England or 
imported from America) from the seed of Ricinus Communis, 
the Castor Oilplant; Lin. Syst., Monoecia monodelphia; grow- 
ing in the East Indies and America. 

Description. The oil is thick, viscid, colourless, or a pale 



318 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

straw-yellow, of peculiar odour, and slightly acrid taste. The 
seeds, about the size of small beans, are oval, compressed, obtuse 
at the ends, smooth and shining on the surface, of a light ash 
colour, marbled with dark spots and veins. 

Prop. & Comp, Castor Oil differs from most other fixed oils 
in being entirely soluble in one volume of alcohol and two volumes 
of rectified spirit ; sp. gr. 0*96 ; it contains three oily acids, 
Ricinic, Ricin-oleic y and Ricin-stearic, united with Glycerine, It 
also contains some acrid resinous matter. 

Therapeutics, A mild, yet quick, purgative medicine ; causing 
little or no disturbance of the system ; only the evacuation of the 
contents of the bowels. Used in delicate subjects, and in irritable 
conditions of the alimentary canal, and neighboring parts : as in 
gastritis, enteritis, dysentery, and cystitis, &c. The seeds are 
very active, even dangerous. 

Dose, 1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. ; often given floating on some 
liquid ; sometimes in gelatine or membranous capsules ; or in the 
form of an emulsion with some aromatic. 

Adulteration. Other fixed oils, difficult to detect, as, when 
mixed, they are rendered, to some extent, soluble in alcohol. 

Kamela. Kamela Wurrus. The powder which adheres to the 
capsules of Rottlera tinctoria. 

Prop, & Comp, An orange red granular powder, scarcely 
mixing with water, but for the most part soluble, and forming a 
red-coloured solution with alcohol and ether. The insoluble resi- 
due consists chiefly of tufted hairs. Composition unknown, prob- 
ably of a resinous nature. 

Therapeutics. A powerful anthelmintic, found very efficacious 
in India in the treatment of tape-worm. It usually purges freely. 

Dose. 60 gr. to 120 gr. in honey or thick gruel. 

In this order are also contained the — 

Euphorbium Officinarum, yielding the resin in whitish tears 
called JEuphorbium, a very powerful local irritant, used sometimes 
as a sternutatory, causing violent vomiting and purging when 
swallowed ; also the Janipha or Jatropha Manihot, of which the 
fecula of the root, when dried and heated, forms Tapioca, Cassava 
bread is also made from the root ; the juice of the tree, when 
fresh, is acrid and poisonous. Tapioca is a pure form of starch, 
and is much used as an article of diet. 



PIPER LONGTJM. 319 



PIPEBACEiE. 

Piper. Black Pepper. The unripe berries, dried, of Piper Nigrum, 
or Black Pepper ; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia ; growing in 
tropical countries, as Java and Sumatra, now chiefly imported 
from the West Indies. 

Description. A berry about the size of a small pea, black, 
rough or wrinkled on the outside, the contained seed is grayish ; 
when decorticated it forms white pepper. 

Prop. <& Oomp. Odour hot and aromatic ; taste acrid ; con- 
tains a nitrogenized feeble base, Piperine (C 34 H 19 N 6 ), in rhom- 
boidal prisms, w T hite, almost tasteless, and inodorous ; although the 
piperine of commerce is always yellow and acrid from the presence 
of volatile oil. A volatile oil (C 20 H 16 ), lighter than water, giving 
the odour and taste to the drug, is also present : besides the ordi- 
nary constituents of such fruits, there exists also some acrid resin. 

[Off. Prep. Confectio Piperis. Confection of Pepper. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Black pepper, two ounces ; caraway, three 
ounces ; clarified honey, fifteen ounces, rubbed well together.) 

This preparation is a substitute for a nostrum long known as 
Ward's Paste, and much used in the treatment of piles. 

Therapeutics. Pepper is chiefly used as a condiment. It acts 
as a stimulant stomachic, and appears to influence the mucous 
membrane of the rectum, hence its value in haemorrhoids ; it also 
acts on the urethral membrane, and may be used as a substitute 
for cubebs in gonorrhoea, &c. Piperine probably possesses anti- 
periodic powers, and is stated to have been used with success in 
agues. Externally, pepper, or its oil, may be employed as a rube- 
facient ; the oil is sometimes applied topically in relaxed sore 
throat. 

Dose. Of pepper, 5 gr. to 20 gr. ; of piperine, 5 gr. upwards ; 
of the confection, 40 gr. to 120 gr. and upwards. 

Piper Longum. The unripe fruit of Piper Longum, or Chavica 
Roxburghii [Not officinal in IT. S. P.] ; Lin. Syst., Diandria 
trigynia. It is not now officinal, but is sometimes used as a 
condiment. 

Description. The spikes are from one to two inches in length, 

/ 



320 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

and studded with eminences arranged spirally ; of a light gray 
colour. 

Prop. *& Comp. As black pepper ; the odour being rather 
different. 

Therapeutics and Dose. The same as of black pepper. 

Cubeba. Cubebs. The unripe fruit, dried, of Cubeba Officinalis, 
the Cubeb Pepper ; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia : cultivated 
in Java. 

Oleum Cubebse. Oil of Cubebs. The oil, distilled in England 
from Cubebs. 

[Oleoresina Cubeba. Oleo-resin of Cubebs. U. S. Prepared 
by percolation with ether ; the larger part of the ether is recovered 
by distillation in a water-bath, and the remainder is evaporated.] 

Description. Very like black pepper, but having small stalks 
or tails attached, which serve to distinguish them ; they are also 
lighter in colour. 

Prop. & Comp. Cubeb pepper has an odour like camphor, in 
addition to that of pepper ; its taste is hot and spicy ; it contains 
Oubebine, which by some is said to be the same as piperine ; but 
this is doubtful ; the volatile oil is colourless or pale greenish 
yellow, with the odour and taste of cubebs (C 30 H 24 ). There is 
also some resin or oxidized oil in cubeb pepper. 

Therapeutics. Cubebs and the oil are used almost exclusively 
for their action on the mucous membrane of the urethra and blad- 
der, upon which they act as stimulants, and have the power of 
arresting abnormal discharges. 

Dose. Of the powder 20 gr. to 120 gr. ; of the volatile oil, 5 
min. to 20 min. 

Matica. [Matico. U. S.] Matico. The leaves of Artanthe Elon- 

gata or Piper Angustifolium, Matico plant ; Lin. Syst., Diandria 

trigynia ; a native of Peru. 

Description. The leaves are from 2 to 8 inches long, oblong 

lanceolate, acuminate, tesselated on the upper surface, reticulated 

and downy beneath ; of a green colour, with an aromatic, warm 

and slighty astringent taste and aromatic odour ; as imported, the 

leaves are mixed with the spikes and stalks, and in a compressed 

state. 



SALICIS COETEX. 321 

Prop. & Comp. Matico contains traces of tannic acid, and a 
peculiar acid, named artanthic acid, which is readily crystalliz- 
able ; soluble in water and alcohol, but remarkably so in ether ; 
nitrate of potash, colouring matter and a volatile oil or camphor (?) 
not yet isolated are also found in the leaves. No piperine has 
been obtained from them, and they contain no starch. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Matico. Infusion of Matico. [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] (Matico, cut small, half an ounce ; boiling 
distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. The surface of the leaf or the powder applied 
to bleeding parts, as leech-bites, &c, acts as a powerful styptic ; 
when given internally it is stated to produce astringent effects 
and to affect the genito-urinary mucous membrane and rectum, 
like pepper or cubebs ; it contains little ordinary astringent mat- 
ter, and it has been supposed that its power, when applied topi- 
cally, is due to the mechanical structure of the leaf. 

Dose. Of powder, internally, 30 gr. to 60 gr. ; of infusion, 1 fl. 
oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

SALICACE^S. 

Salicis Cortex. Willow Bark. Bark of Salix Caprea ; Lin. 
Syst., Dicecia diandria ; indigenous. Not officinal. 

Description. The bark obtained from the branches is quilled, 
the epidermis dark-coloured, and the structure fibrous and tough ; 
it has a slightly aromatic odour, with a bitter and astringent 
taste. 

Prop. & Comp. Its active matters are soluble in water ; it. 
contains tannin, gum, extractive matter, and the usual constituents 
of barks. In addition, it yields a neutral crystalline principle' 
Salicine, which, when pure, occurs in white scaly crystals, with a 
bitter taste, soluble in water and alcohol ; and has the composi- 
tion (C 26 H 18 14 ). Concentrated sulphuric acid turns Salicine of 
a bright red colour ; and when acted on by oxidizing agents,, it is 
converted into Salicylous acid, or hydruret of Salicyle (C 14 H 5 4 
H) ; this is identical with the oil of Spircea Ulmar%a y and exhales 
the same peculiar odour. 

Therapeutics. Willow bark is tonic and antiperiodic, and has 
22 



322 MATERIA MEDICA. 

been much recommended in intermittents as a substitute for cin- 
chona ; it is generally administered as salicine ; this is thought to 
possess considerable antiperiodic power, but is not likely to super- 
sede quina, though useful as a mild bitter tonic, when given in 
doses from ten grains to twenty grains. A decoction is some- 
times useful in chronic skin affections, as psoriasis. Salicine 
taken internally appears in the urine as the hydruret of salicyle, 
and causes that fluid to strike purple-red with the persalts of 
iron. 

Dose. Of decoction (1J oz. to 20 fl. oz.) 1J fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz. ; 
of salicine, 5 gr. to 30 gr. 

ULMACEJE. 

Ulmus. Elm Bark. The dried inner bark of Ulmus Campestris, 
the broad-leaved Elm ; deprived of its outer layers ; Lin. Syst., 
Pentandria monogynia ; indigenous to and cultivated in 
Britain. 

Description. Elm bark is of a lightish-brown colour ; the 
pieces are broad, about half a line thick, and of varying lengths, 
and consist of the bark, deprived of its epidermis and outer 
layer. It is without smell ; taste mucilaginous, slightly bitter 
and astringent. 

Prop. <& Comp. It yields its active properties to water, and 
contains a large amount of mucilage, and about 2*7 per cent, of 
tannin. Ulmin, a peculiar substance, of dark brown colour, in- 
soluble in cold, and but slightly so in boiling water, which it 
tinges of a brown colour, readily soluble in alkaline solutions, 
received its name from being first obtained from this bark ; it is 
now thought to be a constituent of many other barks. The decoc- 
tion is turned green by perchloride of iron, and precipitates with 
a solution of gelatine. 

Prep, Deooctum Ulmi, Lond., 1851. Decoction of Elm. 
(Bruised elm bark, two ounces ; distilled water, two pints.) Boil 
down to a pint, and strain). 

Therapeutics. Elm bark is demulcent, slightly tonic and astrin- 
gent, and has been recommended in some chronic skin affections, 
as psoriasis and lepra. Some practitioners think highly of its 



QUEKCUS. 323 

powers as an alterative ; sometimes diuretic and diaphoretic effects 
are produced by the use of the decoction. 

Dose. Of the decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

[Ulmus Fulva. Slippery Elm. The inner bark of Ulmus 
fulva. U.S. 

The slippery elm bark is simply a demulcent, and is destitute 
of astringency, and of tonic powers. Powdered it is employed in 
the formation of cataplasms, and it may be used internally in in- 
fusion ad libitum.'] 

CUPULIFERiE. 

Quercus. Oak Bark. The dried bark of the small branches and 
stems of Quercus Pedunculata, the Common Oak ; Lin. Syst., 
Mono3cia polyandria ; indigenous. The bark should be collect- 
ed in spring from plants growing in Britain. 

Description. The bark, when dry, occurs in long pieces gener- 
ally covered with a greyish- white epidermis, of a fibrous consis- 
tence, brittle, internally cinnamon coloured, as also is the outer 
surface, when denuded of the epidermis ; the taste is very astrin- 
gent. 

Prop. <& Comp. Oak bark yields to water and spirit its active 
principles, viz., tannic acid said gallic acid/ it also contains pectin. 
The amount of tannic acid varies very much with the age of the 
branches from which the bark is taken ; season, and other circum- 
stances, likewise have an influence upon the amount of astringent 
matter present in the bark. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Quercus. Decoction of Oak Bark. 
(Bruised oak bark, one ounce and a half ; distilled water, twenty 
fluid ounces.) 

Therapeutics. Seldom used except as an external astringent, 
in the form of the decoction, which forms a useful and economical 
lotion, gargle, or injection, in relaxed sore throat, leucorrhcea, &c. 
It may be given internally in the cases in which tannin acid is 
useful. 

Dose. Of decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz., when internally admin- 
istered. 



324 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Galla. Galls. Excrescences occurring on the small twigs of 
Quercus Infectoria, the Gall or Dyer's Oak, caused by the punc- 
tures and deposited ova of Diplolepis Gallse tinctorial. Lin. 
Syst., Monoecia polyandria ; growing chiefly in Asia Minor. 

Acidum Tannicum. Tannic Acid. An acid obtained from Galls. 

Acidum Gallicum. Gallic acid. An acid prepared from Galls. 

Description of the Gall. The punctures of the young twig of 
the tree by a hymenopterous insect, the diplolepis gallce tindorice, 
cause an astringent exudation, which concretes and produces the 
gall-nut ; the eggs deposited by the insect become inclosed in 
the excrescence. Gall-nuts are more or less globular in form, 
tuberculated on the surface, about the size of a marble, varying 
from half-an-inch to three-fourths of an inch in diameter. There 
are two varieties, blue and white galls ; the former, heavy, and of 
a bluish-green tinge, yellowish white within, with a small central 
cavity ; the latter white, of a grayish colour, less astringent, and 
perforated with a small hole, the passage by which the insect 
escaped. 

Prop. <& Comp. Gall-nuts contain a very large amount, 
about 35 per cent., of tannic acid, and 5 per cent, of gallic acid, 
also another body named ellagic acid, with gummy and extractive 
matters, lignin, salts, &c. 

Tannic Acid (C 54 H 22 34 ) is prepared by percolating the pow- 
dered galls with a mixture of water and ether, the percolated fluid 
separates into two strata, the heavier of which, containing the 
tannic acid in solution, is separated and evaporated to dryness. 
Tannic acid occurs in the form of a light glistening spongy mass 
or powder, yellowish, or almost white ; uncrystallizable, of a very 
astringent taste, freely soluble in water and spirit, but very spar- 
ingly soluble in ether ; slightly acid in reaction ; its solutions 
precipitate gelatine yellowish white, and the persalts of iron 
bluish-black. 

According to the latest researches of Strecker, tannin has the 
formula (C 54 H 22 34 ), and by the action of sulphuric acid is resolv- 
ed into gallic acid and grape sugar. The same change is effected 
when a strong decoction of the galls is kept for a lengthened 



TmCTUEA GAJ.L^E. 325 

period at a temperature of about 70° or 80° Fah. The formula 
explaining this decomposition is thus represented by Strecker : 

[(C* H 22 34 ) 4- 8HO=3 (C 14 H 6 O 10 ) + (C 12 H 10 O 10 )] or one 
equivalent of tannin and eight of water are resolved into three 
equivalents of gallic acid and one of grape sugar. 

Gallic Acid (3 HO, C u H 3 7 + 2HO) is prepared by making 
powdered galls into a thick paste with water, and keeping them 
in this state for six weeks at a temperature of between 60° and 
70°. This paste is afterwards boiled with distilled water, and 
strained through calico ; the solution is allowed to cool and the 
crystals which are deposited are collected on a filter and drained 
by pressure between folds of filtering paper. They are then re- 
dissolved in boiling water, the liquid allowed to cool to 80°, and 
the crystals which separate are washed with ice cold distilled 
water, and dried at a temperature not exceeding 212°. 

Gallic acid occurs in white or pale, fawn coloured, silky, needles, 
very soluble in boiling water, rectified spirit and ether. 

It differs from tannin in not precipitating gelatine, albumen, 
or the alkaloids, but it strikes bluish-black with the persalts of 
iron ; its taste is acid and astringent, but much less so than that 
of tannin, perhaps owing to its slight solubility in the saliva. 
Gallic acid is decomposed by heat, with the formation oipyrog attic 
acid (C 6 H 3 3 ) and metagallic acid (C 3 H 2 2 . The former acid 
strikes black with proto-salts of iron, and is a powerful deox- 
idizing agent. 

Ellagic acid exists in gall-nuts in small quantities ; it forms 
a white powder, differing from tannin and gallic acid in being 
almost insoluble in water, alcohol, or ether ; it appears to be 
an isomeric modification of gallic acid. Probably ellagic acid 
is contained in many vegetables, as some of the intestinal con- 
cretions, called bezoars, found in the intestines of ruminants, are 
entirely composed of it. 

Off. Prep.— Of Galls. 

Tinctura Gallje. Tincture of Galls. (Galls, bruised, two and 
a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by 
maceration and percolation.) 

Unguentum Gall^:. Ointment of Galls. (Galls, eighty- 
grains ; simple ointment, one ounce.) [Nutgalls in very fine 
powder, a troy ounce ; lard, seven troy ounces. U. S.] 



326 MATEE1A MEDIC A. 

Unguentum Gall^ cum Opio. Ointment of Galls and Opium. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of galls, one ounce : opium 
in powder, thirty-two grains.) 

Of Tannic Acid. 

Suppositopja Acidi Tannici. Tannin Suppositories. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Tannic acid, twenty-four grains ; glycerine, 
twenty minims ; prepared lard and white wax, as much as is 
required.) 

Trochisci Acidi Tannici. Tannin Lozenges. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] (Tannic acid made into lozenges, with tincture of 
tolu, sugar, gum arabic, mucilage of gum arabic and water.) One 
and a half grains of tannic acid are contained in each lozenge. 

Therapeutics. Gall-nuts owe their efficacy to the tannic and 
gallic acids contained in them ; and the description of the action 
of these acids applies not only to galls, but to all those vegetables 
which are made use of for their astringent effects. 

Tannic Acid, when applied to a living part, acts as a most 
powerful astringent ; if the surface of a mucous membrane is 
chosen, this effect is well seen in the contraction of the vessels, 
and consequent paleness produced. When the lips, or any part 
of the mouth, come in contact with this acid, the astringency 
becomes evident to the taste. 

Taken internally, tannic acid sometimes causes a sensation of 
dryness of the mouth and fauces, thirst, and not unfrequently 
constipation ; it soon becomes absorbed into the blood, and after 
some alteration in composition, is thrown out, or at least partly 
so, by the kidneys in the form of gallic and pyrogallic acids, and 
a brownish-black humus-like matter : sometimes the urine 
becomes quite dark-coloured, especially after it has been exposed 
to the air for a short time. The urine of patients taking tannic 
acid does not precipitate gelatine, showing the absence of tannic 
acid, but strikes black with persalts of iron, indicating the 
presence of gallic acid. Upon the alimentary canal, and also 
after absorption, the action of tannin is of the same character ; 
and hence, not only topical but remote astringent effects are 
produced by its administration ; and haemorrhages, as menorrhagia, 
haematuria, and haemoptysis, increased mucous and other discharges, 



ficus. 327 

hectic sweating, diarrhoea, and dysenteric affections, are quickly 
influenced by its administration. 

Gallic acid appears to differ from tannin in its topical action, 
being less astringent, probably from its comparatively slight 
solubility ; it however becomes absorbed, and the remote effects 
are identical with those of tannin. Probably as a remote astrin- 
gent it is more powerful than an equal quantity of tannic acid, 
for the latter becomes converted in the blood into gallic acid and 
grape sugar, and hence part only is available. This was the 
conclusion at which the author arrived from some extensive trials 
made many years since, in the treatment of various forms of 
hemorrhages. 

Externally, the decoction of gall-nuts, or solutions of tannic or 
gallic acid, may be employed to suppress haemorrhage from the 
gums, nose, or any part to which they can be applied ; or to lessen 
discharges from mucous membranes, as in gleet, leucorrhoea, &c. 

Dose. Of the tincture of galls (seldom used, except as a test), 
i fl. drm. to 1J fl. drm. j of tannic acid, 3 gr. to 20 gr. ; of gallic 
acid, 3 gr. to 20 gr. ; about 4 gr. of gallic acid can be dissolved 
in 1 fl. oz. of water. Both tannic and gallic acids are soluble to 
a considerable extent in glycerine. 

Incompalibles. Salts of iron, especially the persalts, strike 
black with both tannic and gallic acids ; infusions and decoctions 
of vegetable substances containing alkaloids ; solution of gelatine, 
and many metallic substances, as salts of lead, &c. are preci- 
pitated by tannic acid. 

URTICACEJE. 

Ficus. The Fig ; the prepared fruit of Ficus Carica ; Lin. Syst., 
Polygamia dioecia ; a native of Asia ; imported from Smyrna. 

Description. The part usually known as the fruit of the fig, 
when dry, consists of the fleshy compressed pear-shaped recep- 
tacle, soft, tough, brown, and covered with a saccharine efflo- 
rescence, containing numerous small hard seeds in the interior, 
inclosed in a viscid pulp. These are quite shut in, except at the 
apex, where a small orifice exists. When nearly ripe the fresh 
figs are dried and exported largely to this country and other 
parts of Europe. 



328 MATERIA MEDIC A. 

Prop. & Oomp. They contain chiefly saccharine and muci- 
laginous matters. 

Off. Prep. Figs are used in the preparation of Confectio 
Sennas. 

Therapeutics. Demulcent, nutritive, and laxative ; used some- 
times as an article of diet for this latter property. Heated and 
split open, they are sometimes used as a cataplasm. 

Dose. Ad libitum. 

Mori Succus. Mulberry Juice [Not officinal in U. S. P.] ; the 
juice of the ripe fruit of Morus nigra; Lin. Syst., Monoecia 
tetandria ; native of Persia, cultivated in Britain. 

Description. The fruit from which the juice is obtained is of 
a dark purple colour, and consists of numerous small berries 
united together, each containing a single seed, attached to a 
common receptacle ; the fleshy covering of the seeds being formed 
by the sepals. The juice is of a deep red colour. 

Prop. & Comp. The juice has a faint odour and a sweet and 
acidulous taste ; the latter property is said to be due to the 
presence of tartaric acid. 

Off. Prep. Steupus Moei. Syrup of Mulberries. (Mul- 
berry juice, twenty fluid ounces ; sugar, two pounds and a half; 
rectified spirit, two fluid ounces and a half. Dissolve the sugar 
in the juice, by a gentle heat, and set by for twenty-four hours ; 
then remove the scum, and pour off the clear fluid from any 
dregs, if present ; lastly add the spirit.) 

Therapeutics. The juice is refrigerant, and may be used as a 
drink in febrile diseases. The syrup is also used as a colouring 
matter. 

Pose. Ad libitum. 

Cannabis Indica. Indian Hemp; Cannabis Sativa; Lin. Syst., 

Dioecia pentandria ; the flowering tops of the female plant 

from which the resin has not been removed, dried ; cultivated 

in India. 

Description. The tops, with the remains of the flowers, fruits, 

and small leaves are met with in bundles, about 2 inches long, 

of a greenish colour, and with a peculiar odour. In commerce 

Indian hemp is seen in three principal forms. The resinous 



TINCTTTKA CANNABIS INDICJE. 329 

exudation of the leaves and flowers is known as the Churrus ; the 
plant itself, consisting of the stems, leaves, and flowers, packed 
together lengthwise in long bundles, Gunjah / and lastly, a mix- 
ture of the leaves and capsules, without the stem, Bang. The 
Hashish of the Arabs is another form of Indian hemp, sometimes 
occurring in coils. 

Prop. <& Comp. The resin of the Indian hemp, upon which 
the peculiar properties depend, is soluble in alcohol and ether, 
but separates from its solutions on the addition of water. The 
resin mentioned.above has received the name Cannahin, and has a 
bitterish taste and peculiar odour ; the plant also contains a little 
volatile oil. 

Off. Prep. Exteactum Cannabis Indices. Extract of Indian 
hemp. (Prepared by maceration of the hemp in rectified spirit, 
and subsequent separation of the spirit by distillation and eva- 
poration to a proper consistence.) 

Tinctura Cannabis Indict. Tincture of Indian hemp. (Ex- 
tract of Indian hemp, one ounce ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by solution of the extract in rectified spirit. 

Therapeutics. Indian hemp produces a peculiar kind of intoxi- 
cation, attended with exhilaration of the spirits and hallucinations, 
said to be generally of a pleasing kind. These are followed by 
narcotic effects, sleep and stupor. In its anodyne and soporific 
action it resembles opium, but its after-effects are considered less 
unpleasant ; it does not produce constipation and loss of appetite. 

Indian hemp possesses antispasmodic and anodyne powers, for 
which it has been chiefly employed in medicine. It has been 
administered in the different forms of neuralgia, in spasmodic 
coughs, as pertussis and asthma, also in tetanus, hydrophobia, and 
other anomalous spasmodic and painful diseases. Sometimes, but 
very seldom, it has-been used to procure sleep. Much further 
experience of this drug is required before its real action and 
value can be fully decided upon ; it certainly has disappointed the 
expectations formed of it when it was first introduced into this 
country ; a circumstance, perhaps, in part due to very inferior 
hemp having been employed. The urine of patients under its 
influence sometimes acquires a peculiar odour not very unlike that 
of the Tonquin bean. 



330 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

Dose. Of the extract, J gr. to 1 gr. or more ; of the tincture, 
5 nrin. to 30 min. 

Incompatibles. — The tincture, when added to water, becomes 
turbid, from the precipitation of the resin, and hence it should be 
rubbed up with mucilage, to suspend it, or have a few drops of an 
alkaline liquid added, as aromatic spirit of ammonia, in order to 
keep it in solution. 

Lupulus. [Humulus. U. S.] Hop. The dried catkins of the 
female plant of Humulus Lupulus, the common-Hop ; Lin. Syst., 
Dicecia pentandria; cultivated in England, and found in many 
parts of Europe. 

Description. The catkin or strobile of the hop is composed of 
membranous scales, each of which contains at the base two small 
seeds, surrounded by a yellow granular powder. The scale is 
covered with numerous superficial glands ; it is thin, semi-trans- 
parent, veined, and of a yellowish colour when dry, with a peculiar 
fragrant odour and bitter taste. Lupuline is the name given to 
the fine resinous powder secreted by the scales, and obtained by 
rubbing and sifting the strobiles ; it occurs as a golden yellow 
powder, and has the peculiar flavour of the hop : under the micro* 
scope it appears to resemble the pollen of plants. 

Prop. & Oo?np. Hops contain a volatile oil, and a peculiar bit- 
ter principle, soluble in alcohol, slightly so in water, but insoluble 
in ether, called Lupulite or Humulin ; these constitute the chief 
active ingredients. The volatile oil when freshly prepared by 
distillation of the hops, is green, but is made colourless when re- 
distilled ; by exposure to the air, it becomes a resinous mass. It 
contains a hydrocarbon (C 20 H 16 ) with valerol (C 12 H 10 2 ), the latter 
by the action of caustic potash is converted into valerianic acid, 
as shown in the following equation, C 12 H 10 2 + 3 (KO, HO) + 2 
HO=2 (KO, C0 2 ) + (KO, C 10 H 9 3 ) + H 6 , and thus the hydrocar- 
bon may be separated from the valerol. The volatile oil was for- 
merly thought to contain sulphur ; this, however, has been lately 
disproved. The scales of the hop contain some adherent lupuline, 
though in a small proportion. Lupuline yields about 11 per cent. 
1 of the bitter principle. 

Off. Prep. Infusum Lupuli. Infusion of Hop. (Hops, half 



KESHTA. 331 

an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Infusum 
Humuli. U. S. Hops, half a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint] 

Tinctura Lupuli. Tincture of Hop. (Prepared by maceration 
and percolation. Hop, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, twenty 
fluid ounces.) [Tinctura Humuli. U. S. Hops, five troy ounces. 
Two pints of tincture are made by percolation with diluted 
alcohol.] 

Extractum Lupuli. Extract of Hop. [Not officinal in U. S. 
P.] <£P re P are d by maceration of the hop, first in rectified spirit, 
and afterwards boiling with water, mixing the two products, and 
evaporating at a temperature not exceeding 140° to a proper con- 
sistence. 

[Tinctura Lupulinae. Tincture of Lupulin. U. S. Lupulin, four 
troy ounces. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation 
with alcohol.] 

[Extractum Lupulinse Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Lupulin. 
U. S. Thirty-two fluid ounces of tincture obtained by percolat- 
ing sixteen fluid ounces of lupulin with stronger alcohol are eva- 
porated to sixteen fluid ounces.] 

Therapeutics. Hops are tonic and stomachic, diuretic and nar- 
cotic. In the form of bitter beer, taken with meals, they form a 
useful aid to digestion in some cases of atonic dyspepsia. In the 
form of a pillow, they have been found anodyne and narcotic. 
The preparations of hop are not much employed, except as adjuncts. 

Dose. Of lupulin, 5 gr. to 10 gr. ; of the infusion of hops, 1 fl. 
oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the extract, 5 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the tincture, 
■§- fl. drm. to. 2 fl. drm. 

CONIFERiE OR PINACEJE. 

Terebinthinse Oleum. Oil op Turpentine. Oil distilled from 
the Turpentine of Pinus palustris, Phjus taeda, and sometimes 
Pinus pinaster; Lin. Syst., Moncecia monadelphia; imported 
from America and France. 

Hesina. Resin. The residue of the distillation of the turpentines 
from various species of Pinus and Abies. 

Description. American turpentine, as it flows from the trunks 
of the above-named trees, has the consistence of treacle, altering 



332 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

much with heat and exposure ; of a pale yellow colour ; with a 
peculiar characteristic pungent odour and taste. When distilled 
the oil of turpentine passes over, the resin remaining in the retort. 

Oil of Turpentine, called also Spirits of Turpentine or Camphine, 
is a limpid colourless fluid, of the same odour and taste as the above. 

Resin or Rosin is a solid semi-transparent yellowish substance, 
with but a little odour and taste. 

Prop>. & Comp. Common turpentine consists of a mixture 
of the resin dissolved in the volatile oil, and separable by distil- 
lation. 

The Oil of Turpentine (C 20 H 16 ), sp. 2;r. 0*864, is inflammable, 
it mixes with other oils fixed or volatile, is soluble in alcohol and 
ether, and dissolves many bodies, as fats, resins, &c. ; it partly 
resinifies, partly volatilizes, on exposure, and forms an artificial 
camphor (C 20 H 16 H CI.) with hydrochloric acid gas. 

The Resin (HO, C 40 H 29 3 ) consists of three isomeric acids, 
Pimaric, Pinic, and Sylvic, differing in their solubility in alcohol. 
Pinic acid is soluble in cold alcohol ; sylvic in warm alcohol ; 
pimaric requires boiling spirit. By heat Colophonic acid is 
formed. 

Off. Prep. Of Oil of Turpentine. Confectio Terebinthine. 
Confection of Turpentine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of 
turpentine, one fluid ounce ; liquorice root, in powder, one ounce • 
clarified honey, two ounces.) 

Enema Terebinthin^e. Enema of Turpentine. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce ; mucilage of starch, 
fifteen fluid ounces.) 

Linimentum Terebinthix^e. Liniment of Turpentine. (Oil of 
turpentine, five fluid ounces • ointment of resin, eight ounces). 
[Resin cerate, twelve troy ounces • oil of turpentine, half a pint. 
U.S.] 

Linimentum Terebinthin,e Aceticum. Liniment of Turpentine 
and Acetic Acid. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of turpentine 
acetic acid, and liniment of camphor, each a fluid ounce.) 

Unguextum Terebinthin^e. Ointment of Turpentine. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce, resin in 
coarse powder, sixty grains ; yellow wax and prepared lard, each 
half an ounce.) 



UNGUEOTUM BESOMS. 333 

Of the Resin : 

Emplastrum Resins. Eesin Plaster. (Resin, in powder, four 
ounces ; litharge plaster, two pounds ; hard soap, in powder, two 
ounces.) [Resin, in powder, six troy ounces ; plaster of lead, 
thirty-six troy ounces. U. S.] 

Unguentum Resin^e. Ointment of Resin. (Resin, in coarse 
powder, eight ounces ; yellow wax, four ounces ; simple ointment 
sixteen ounces.) [Ceratum Resinae. U. S. Basilicon Ointment. 
Resin, ten troy ounces ; yellow wax, four troy ounces ; lard, sixteen 
troy ounces.] 

Therapeutics. In small doses, oil of turpentine becomes ab- 
sorbed, and acts as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and astringent ; its 
effects are especially directed to the kidneys, it causes diuresis, 
with a peculiar violet odour of the urine, from the oil passing 
through in an altered condition ; it also influences the mucous 
membrane of the genito-urinary organs in a manner similar to 
copaiba, and in large doses produces strangury ; its astringent 
property upon the capillary vessels is seen in its power of 
arresting haemorrhage, and controlling some forms of inflamma- 
tion. 

In large doses, turpentine acts as a purgative, and possesses 
besides great power in destroying entozoa in the alimentary canal ; 
its purgative operation is often accompanied by nausea and vomit- 
ing, and a species of intoxication. 

Oil of turpentine is given occasionally as an antispasmodic in 
hysterical affections, but, for the most part, as an enema ; it is also 
used in passive forms of intestinal and urinary hemorrhage, in 
purpura, and in some forms of iritis ; its most frequent internal 
use is, however, as an anthelmintic, in cases where taenia or tape- 
worm and other entozoa are present in the intestines. 

Oil of turpentine, when externally applied, produces powerful 
rubefacient effects, and when the vapour is confined, even vesica- 
tion : administered as an enema, both the purgative and stimulant 
effects may result. Externally it is used in the form of liniment 
over chronically inflamed and painful parts, and sprinkled on hot 
flannel as a fomentation in tympanitic conditions of the abdomen 
from peritoneal inflammation. 

Resin and Common Turpentine are seldom used, except as 



334 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

external stimulant applications : the former in the form of oint- 
ment or plaster ; the latter, not now officinal, was until lately em- 
ployed either alone or in combination with other resins, as elemi, 
galbanum, &c. 

Dose. Of oil of turpentine, as a stimulant, antispasmodic or 
diuretic, 10 min. to 30 min., as an anthelmintic purgative, 2 fl. drm. 
to 6 fl. drm. ; of resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. 

Terebinthina Canadensis. Canada Balsam. The turpentine 
obtained in Canada from the stem of Abies Balsamea, or Balm 
of Gilead Fir, by incision. 

Description. A pale oleo-resin, ductile, consistence of thin 
honey, drying very slowly by exposure in the air into a trans- 
parent adhesive varnish. It has a peculiar agreeable odour and 
bitter taste ; mixed with one-sixth of its weight of magnesia it 
solidifies. 

Therapeutics. Canada balsam resembles the turpentine in 
its action. It is not often given as a medicine, but is chiefly 
used for mounting objects for the microscope and other optical 
purposes. 

Thus Americanum. Common Frankincense. [Terebinthina. 
Turpentine. U. S.] The turpentine exuding from the bark 
(hardened in the air) of Pinus tseda and Pinus palustris, from 
the Southern States of North America. 

Description. A softish, bright yellow, opaque solid, resinous 
but tough, with the odour of American turpentine. True Frankin- 
cense, the natural exudation from Abies excelsa, is not at present 
imported into this country. 

Prop. & Comp. Chemically American frankincense is not 
known to differ from common resin ; it may, however, contain 
more or less volatile oil. 

Off. Prep. Contained in Emplastrum Picis. 

Pix Burgundica. Burgundy Pitch. A resinous exudation from 
the stem of the Abies excelsa. Spruce Fir (Pinus abies), melt- 
ed and strained; imported from Switzerland. 

[Pix Canadensis. The prepared concrete juice of Abies cana- 
densis. U. S.] 



PLX LIQUID A. 335 

Description. Hard and brittle, yet gradually taking the form 
of the vessel in which it is kept ; opaque, varying in colour, but 
generally dull reddish brown ; of a peculiar somewhat empyreu- 
matic perfumed odour and aromatic taste. Without bitterness, 
free from vesicles ; gives off no water when it is heated. 

Prop. & Comp. Burgundy pitch consists chiefly of resin, but 
a little volatile oil is present, imparting to it chief of its odour. 
The resin probably contains the same or similar acids to those 
found in American frankincense, or common resin obtained from 
turpentine. 

Off. Prep. Emplastrum Picis. Pitch Plaster. (Burgundy 
pitch, twenty-six ounces ; common frankincense, thirteen ounces ; 
resin, four ounces and a half ; yellow wax, four ounces and a half ; 
expressed oil of nutmeg, one ounce ; olive oil, two fluid ounces ; 
water, two fluid ounces.) 

[Emplastrum Picis Burgundica. Burgundy pitch, seventy- 
two troy ounces ; yellow wax, six troy ounces. U. S.] 

[Emplastrum Picis Canadensis. Hemlock Pitch Plaster. 
Canada pitch, seventy- two troy ounces • yellow wax, six troy 
ounces. U. S.] 

[Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide. Plaster of pitch with 
cantharides. Burgundy pitch, forty-eight troy ounces ; cerate of 
cantharides, four troy ounces. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Burgundy pitch acts externally as a slight stim- 
ulant to the skin. 

Adulteration. A fictitious Burgundy pitch is often sold, made 
of common resin, coloured, and made opaque with yellow ochre, 
palm oil, water, &c. 

Pix Liquida. Tar. A liquid bitumen prepared from the wood 
of Pinus sylvestris and other pines by destructive distillation. 

Description. Tar is a reddish-black, treacle-like liquid, with a 
peculiar odour ; water agitated with it acquires a bale brown 
colour, sharp empyreumatic taste and acid reaction. 

Prop. & Comp. Tar is very complex in composition ; having 
a sp. gr. about 1*040, it contains altered resin, or colophonic acid 
and an empyreumatic oil, in which numerous substances, such as 
creosote, paraffine, picamar, kapnomor, eupione, &c, have been 



336 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

discovered. When shaken with water in the proportion of about 
one part of tar to four parts of water, tar-water is produced, from 
the solution of the soluble matter of the tar in that fluid. 

Pitch is the altered resin, resulting from the distillation of tar. 

Therapeutics. Tar is a slight external stimulant, useful in cer- 
tain chronic skin diseases, as lepra, psoriasis and ichthyosis. The 
vapour of tar has been found useful in chronic bronchitis, and it 
has been given internally in the above-mentioned skin diseases, 
and in phthisis, &c. 

Dose. Of the tar, 20 min. to 1 drm., and upwards, made into 
pills with flour, or given as tar-water in doses of 1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. 

[Juniperus. Juniper. The fruit of juniperus communis. U. S.] 

Juniperi Oleum. English Oil of Juniper. The oil distilled. in 
England from the unripe fruit of Juniperus communis, or com- 
mon Juniper ; Lin. Syst. , Dioecia monadelphia ; growing in 
Northern Europe, &c. 

Description. The oil of juniper is colourless or pale yellow, 
having in a high degree the odour and warm aromatic taste of 
the fruit. 

The fruit or berries are about the size of black currants, of a 
dark purple colour, with a bloom upon the surface, filled with a 
brownish-yellow pulp ; the odour is agreeable, but slightly tere- 
binthinate. 

Prop. c& Comp. The oil of juniper (C 20 H 16 ) has sp. gr. 0*855. 
Some resin from the oxidation of the oil, which .quickly becomes 
altered, sugar, wax, &c, are found in the fruit in addition to 
the oil. 

Off. Prep. Spiritus Juniperi. Spirit of Juniper. (English 
oil of juniper, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) 
This spirit contains about ninety-five times as much oil of juniper 
as spiritus juniperi, Lond. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 

[Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirits of Juni- 
per. Oil of juniper, one fluid drachm and a half; oil of caraway, 
oil of fennel, each ten minims ; diluted alcohol, eight pints. U. S.] 

Therapeutics. Oil of juniper is a powerful stimulant, especially 
to the kidneys. It is used in medicine chiefly on account of its 
diuretic action ; and has been found valuable in different forms of 



SABEOE OLEUM. 337 

dropsies, either given alone, or combined with other diuretics. It 
is contained in Hollands. 

Dose. Of the oil, 2 min. to 10 min. ; of the spirit of juniper, 
20 min. to 1^ fl. drm. 

Oleum Cadinum. Oil of Cade. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
(Iluile de Cade.) An oil obtained in Germany and France, 
from the dry distillation of the wood of Juniperus oxycedrus. 
It occurs as a slightly thick black liquid, with a tarry odour. 
It has long been employed in veterinary medicine ; and recently 
introduced as an external remedy in the treatment of chronic 
cutaneous diseases, as lepra, psoriasis, eczema, favus, &c. 
in short, in the same affections for which ordinary tar has 
been found effectual. It may be employed either in the form 
of an ointment, made with equal parts of the oil and fatty 
matters, or made into a soap, or dilated with spirit as a lotion. 
The composition of this oil is probably almost identical with 
that of common tar oil. . 

Sabina. Savin e. The fresh and dried tops of Juniperus Sabina ; 
Lin. Syst., Dicecia monadelphia ; collected in the spring from 
plants cultivated in Britain. 

Sabinas Oleum. English Oil of Savin. The oil distilled in 
England from the fresh tops. 

Description. The fresh tops consist of the young branches 
enveloped in minute imbricated appressed leaves, in four rows, 
of a dark green colour, strong and peculiar disagreeable odour 
and taste. The tops can be detected when in coarse powder, by 
means of the microscope, as the woody fibres exhibit the circular 
pores which characterize the gymnosperms. 

The Oil is colourless or light yellow, with the odour and taste 
of the tops. 

Prop. & Comp. The tops owe their activity to the volatile oil, 
oleum sabinse (C 20 H 16 ), sp. gr. 0*915 ; besides which, a resin, 
gallic acid, and the ordinary ingredients of young tops are 
present. 

Off. Prep. Of Savin Tops. Tixctura Sabdle. (Tincture 
of Savin. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Savin, dried and bruised, 
two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by 
maceration and percolation.) 
23 



338 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Unguentum Sabin^e. Ointment of Savin. (Fresh savin, bruised, 
eight ounces ; white wax, three ounces ; prepared lard, sixteen 
ounces.) [Ceeatum Sabine. U. S. Savine, in fine powder, 
three troy ounces ; resin cerate, twelve troy ounces ; ether, a 
sufficient quantity. A percolate is procured by ether, which is 
evaporated to the consistence of syrup, and then mixed with the 
cerate, softened by heat.] 

Therapeutics. Savine acts as an irritant both internally and 
externally ; it also appears to possess much power as an emme- 
nagogue. It is used externally to keep up the discharge from 
blistered surfaces-; internally in deficient menstruation, unat- 
tended with congestion of the pelvic organs. In large doses it 
causes abortion, and its administration is attended with much 
danger in pregnancy. 

Dose. Of dried tops, 3 gr. upwards ; of the oil of savin, 1 min. 
to 5 min. (suspended) ; of tincture of savin, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 

Terebinthina Veneta, Yenice Turpentine, is occasionally em- 
ployed as a remedial agent ; it is the liquid resinous exudation 
of Abies larix, and has the same composition and medicinal 
properties as the other turpentines. It is often much adulterated. 

CLASS II. ENDOGEN^E. 
ZINGIBERACE^l. 

Zingiber. Ginger. The rhizome, scraped and dried, of the 
Zingiber officinale (Amomum Zingiber), Ginger; Lin. Syst., 
Monandria monogynia; native of Hindostan, but is cultivated 
in the West Indies as well as in the East. 

Description. The rhizome is generally about 3 or four inches 
in length, knotty, yellowish- white, but not chalky on the surface, 
with a short mealy fracture ; hot taste, and agreeable aroma. 
Powder yellowish-white. In commerce there are two principal 
varieties, the white or Jamaica, and the black or East Indian ; 
for the former the best pieces are selected, scraped, scalded, and 
dried by exposure to the sun ; the black variety is dried without 
being first scraped, hence it is the larger of the two. 

Prop. & Comp. Odour spicy and aromatic ; taste warm and 



CTJKCUMA. 339 

pungent. In addition to the ordinary constituents of roots, it 
contains a volatile oil and a resinous matter, upon which its 
pungency seems to depend. The sp. gr. of the oil is 0*893, and 
its composition may be represented by the formula (4 C 20 H 16 , 5 
HO). The quantity of starch contained in the root is con- 
siderable. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Zingiberis. Tincture of Ginger. (Bruised 
ginger, two ounces and a half ; rectified spirit, one pint. Pre- 
pared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of 
tincture are procured by percolation with alcohol, from eight 
troy ounces of ginger in fine powder.] 

Syrupus Zingiberis. Syrup of Ginger. Tincture of ginger, 
one fluid ounce ; syrup, seven fluid ounces. 

Therapeutics. Ginger is an aromatic stimulant and carminative. 
When taken internally it produces an agreeable feeling of warmth 
at the epigastrium, and appears to aid digestion by giving a 
healthy tone to the stomach ; hence it is used in atonic forms of 
dyspepsia, especially if attended with much flatulence, and as an 
adjunct to various purgative medicines to correct their griping 
tendency. When chewed it acts as a sialagogue, and is sometimes 
used in relaxed states of the uvula and tonsils. 

Dose. In powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr. and upwards ; of tincture, 
10 min. to 30 min. and upwards ; of the syrup, J fl. drm. to 1 fl. 
drm. 

Curcuma. Turmeric. Appendix B. The rhizome of Curcuma 
longa ; Lin. Syst., Monandria monogynia ; native of Ceylon. 

Description. The best rhizomes are in small short pieces, yel- 
low externally, deep orange within. 

Prop. & Comp. Turmeric contains a peculiar colouring princi- 
ple soluble in alcohol, and when dried, of bright yellow colour ; by 
the action of alkalies this is turned to a deep brown. 

Off. Prep. Turmeric Paper. (Unsized paper steeped in tinc- 
ture of turmeric and dried by exposure to the air.) 

Turmeric Tincture. (Turmeric, bruised, one ounce ; proof 
spirit, six fluid ounces.) 

Use. Turmeric acts as a stimulant, but is not used as a remedy ; 
it is taken as a condiment in the form of curry powder, of which 



340 MATEEIA MEBICA. 

it is an ingredient. In the Appendix it is introduced for testing 
alkalies. When the yellow colouring matter of turmeric is brought 
in contact with alkaline solutions, it is changed to reddish brown. 

Cardamomum. Cardamoms. The seed of Elettaria Cardamo- 
mum, the Malabar cardamom ; Lin. Syst., Monandria monogy- 
nia ; native of Malabar. 

Description. The seeds are generally met with in their cap- 
sules ; the capsules are oblong triangular, the angles being some-* 
what rounded off, wrinkled, and of a light yellow colour, divided 
into three compartments, each of which contains numerous seeds 
of a dark colour, and triangular in shape, corrugated, reddish- 
brown, internally white. The seeds only ought to be used. Car- 
damoms are distinguished according to their lengths by the re- 
spective names of shorts, short-longs, and longs. 

Prop. & Comp. The seeds have a fragrant odour, which de- 
pends on the presence of a volatile oil ; the amount yielded being 
about 4*5 per cent. This is of an aromatic taste, and is said to 
have a sp. gr. of 0*945 ; the seeds contain in addition a fixed oil, 
together with colouring matter and salts, &c. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. Compound 
Tincture of Cardamom. (Cardamoms, bruised, caraway, bruised, 
each a quarter of an ounce ; raisins, freed from their seeds, two 
ounces ; cinnamon bruised, half an ounce ; cochineal in powder, 
sixty grains ; proof spirit, twenty ounces. Prepared by macera- 
tion and percolation.) 

[Cardamom, three hundred and sixty grains ; caraway, one hun- 
dred and twenty grains ; cinnamon, three hundred grains ; cochi- 
neal, sixty grains ; clarified honey, two troy ounces ; diluted alco- 
hol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints and six ounces of tincture 
are obtained by percolating the powders with the diluted alcohol ; 
this is mixed with the clarified honey and filtered. U. S.] 

[Tinctura Cardamomi. U. S. Two pints of tincture are pro- 
cured from four troy ounces of cardamom, in fine powder, by perco- 
lation with diluted alcohol.] 

Cardamom is also an ingredient of some other preparations, as 
Pulvis aromaticus. (See Cinnamon.) 

Therapeutics. It is an agreeable aromatic stimulant stomachic, 
and carminative ; used in the East as a condiment. Chiefly em- 



crocus. 341 

ployed as an adjunct to purgative and other medicines, to correct 
any tendency to griping, also as a colouring matter. 

Dose. Of the seeds, powdered, 5 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the com- 
pound tincture, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

MAKANTACEiE. 

Maranta. Arrow-root. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] 
Fecula of the tuber of Maranta arundinacea (arrow-root) ; Lin. 
Syst., Monandria monogynia ; native of the West Indies. 

Description. A white powder, tasteless and inodorous. 

Prop. (& Comp. It consists of pure starch. Under the micro- 
scope the form of the granules is ovate, oblong, or irregularly con- 
vex, with very fine rings, and a circular hilum, often cracked in a 
stellate or linear manner ; their size varies from the 800th to 
2000 th part of an inch ; the greater number are small. 

Therapeutics. Demulcent ; chiefly employed as an article of 
diet for invalids. 

Dose. Ad libitum. 

Adulteration. Potato starch, distinguishable under the micros- 
cope by having much larger grains than arrow-root, and by the 
concentric rings being strongly marked. 

IMDACEJE. 

Crocus. Saffron. The stigma and part of the style, dried, of 

Crocus -sativus; Lin. Syst., Triandria monogynia; native of 

Greece and Asia Minor; imported from Spain, France, and 

Naples. 

Description. The stigma, and part of the style of the flower, 

forms a thin filament, broad at one end, and tripartite, of an 

orange-red colour. Dried carefully, without further preparation, 

it forms hay saffron, and when packed and pressed into parcels, 

cake saffron. 

Prop. & Comp. Saffron moistened and pressed upon white 
paper leaves an orange-coloured stain, and yields to water and 
alcohol an orange-red colouring matter. It also contains a vola- 
tile oil. When pressed between folds of white filtering paper it 
leaves no oily stain. 



342 MATEKIA MEUICA. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Croci. Tincture of Saffron. [Not offi- 
cinal in U. S. P.] (Saffron, one ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 

Saffron is also an ingredient of aromatic powder. 

Therapeutics. Saffron has a very slight stimulant action ; it is 
rarely given alone, and its chief use in medicinal preparations is 
as a colouring agent. It is supposed to be useful in the treatment 
of the exanthemata. 

Dose. Of dried saffron, from 20 gr. upwards ; of the tincture, 
\ drm. to 2 drm. 

SMXLACEiE. 

Sarsa. Jamaica Sarsaparilla. The dried root of Smilax officinalis. 
Sarsaparilla ; Lin. Syst., Dioecia hexandria ; native of Central 
America, imported from Jamaica. 

Description. Sarsaparilla consists of the rhizome or root-stock, 
called also the chump, with numerous roots attached, generally 
several feet long, but of different lengths and thickness in differ- 
ent varieties ; these roots often give off secondary rootlets, which 
are themselves again finely subdivided ; they are then said to be 
bearded. On a transverse section of the roots they are seen to 
consist of a cortex or rind, and a ligneous cord, or meditullium 
inclosing the pith. According to the characters of these layers 
the Sarsaparillas of commerce have been classified by Dr. Pereira 
into the non-mealy and mealy varieties. 

In the non-mealy varieties the cortex is deeply coloured and 
not mealy. Although some starch granules can be detected under 
the microscope, still the number is comparatively few. The dia- 
meter of the meditullium is generally four or five times greater 
than that of the cortex. Oil of vitriol applied to a transverse 
section causes both cortex and wood to become of a dark red 
tint, and iodine shows but a small amount of starch. Under this 
division are included the Jamaica, the Lima, and the true or lean 
Vera Cruz. 

The Jamaica, the only officinal Sarsaparilla, occurs in bundles, 
from a foot to a foot and a half in length, with spirally twisted 
roots, not thicker than a goose quill, several feet in length, 



SAESA. 343 

folded, with numerous rootlets (bearded) of a reddish-brown colour. 
Jamaica Sarsaparilla has a mucilaginous and slightly bitter and 
acrid taste ; it is not mealy, but yields much extractive matter 
when heated with water. 

Lima Sarsaparilla occurs in bundles, about two or three feet 
long, folded with the chump in the interior, of a greyish-brown 
colour ; it is derived from Smilax officinalis. 

The true Vera Cruz is not often found in commerce ; it is lean, 
unfolded, with few rootlets ; the chump is present. 

The mealy varieties are distinguished by the large amount of 
starch contained in the inner cortical layers, which are sometimes 
equal in thickness to the meditullium ; they break with a starchy 
fracture : the cortex is often cracked transversely, and sometimes 
falls off ; they have occasionally a swollen appearance, and are 
then named gouty. If a drop of sulphuric acid be added to a 
transverse section, the mealy coat is unchanged, the ligneous zone 
becomes dark purple, and when a solution of iodine is applied, 
the starchy layer becomes evident, from the formation of the blue 
iodide of starch. 

The mealy varieties include the Honduras, the Brazilian, and 
the Caraccas, or gouty Yera Cruz. 

The Honduras occurs in bundles, about three feet long, com- 
posed of the folded roots, secured by a few circular twists ; of a 
dirty brown colour, with many lateral fibers, but no chump ; it is 
very mealy. It is brought from the Bay of Honduras. The bota- 
nical origin is doubtful. 

The Brazilian or Lisbon occurs in bundles, from three to five 
feet long, composed of the unfolded roots,- bound together very 
tightly by a flexible stem ; of a reddish brown colour, with few 
rootlets. It comes from the Brazils, through Lisbon. It is 
probably derived from Smilax papyracea, and Sinilax officinalis. 

Caraccas, or Gouty Vera Cruz. In bundles, two feet and a 
half long, and one foot broad, of a pale yellow colour. The chump 
is present, and is very mealy. Derived from Smilax officinalis and 
syphilitica. 

Prop. S Comp. Sarsaparilla contains a volatile oil, starchy 
ligneous fibre, and a peculiar principle occurring as a white 



344 MATERIA MED1CA. 

powder, Smilacin, of which little is known ; soluble in hot water 
and alcohol, but almost insoluble in cold water j it colours sul- 
phuric acid red. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Sarsa. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, two ounces 
and a half ; boiling distilled water, thirty fluid ounces. Eeduce 
to a pint.) 

Decoctum Sarsa [Sarsaparilla. U. S.] Compositum. Com- 
pound Decoction of Sarsaparilla. (Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, 
two ounces and a half ; sassafras, in chips ; guaiac wood turnings ; 
fresh liquorice root, bruised — of each a quarter of an ounce ; meze- 
reon, sixty grains. Boiling distilled water, thirty fluid ounces. 
Eeduce to a pint.) 

Extractum Sarsa Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Sarsaparilla- 
(Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, one pound ; distilled water, at 
160°, fourteen pints ; rectified spirit, one fluid ounce. Prepared 
by macerating and digesting the sarsaparilla in the water, and 
evaporating by a water bath to one-half, or until the specific grav- 
ity of the liquid is 1/13 ; the spirit is added when the liquid is 
cold. The specific gravity should be about 1*095.) [Sarsaparilla, 
sliced and bruised, six troy ounces ■ bark of sassafras root, sliced, 
guaiacum wood, rasped, liquorice root, bruised, each, a troy 
ounce ; mezereon, sliced, one hundred and eighty grains. Mace- 
rate with four pints of water for twelve hours, then boil for a 
quarter of an hour and strain, adding sufficient through the strainer 
to make the decoction measure four pints. U. S.] 

[Extractum Sarsaparilla Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Sar- 
saparilla. Sarsaparilla, in moderately fine powder, sixteen troy 
ounces - sugar, in coarse powder, ten troy ounces ; diluted alco- 
hol in sufficient quantity. Four pints of tincture are obtained 
by percolation with diluted alcohol ; this is evaporated to a 
pint. U. S.] 

[Extractum Sarsaparilla Fluidum Compositum. Compound 
Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. U. S. Sarsaparilla, in powder, 
sixteen troy ounces ; sugar, in coarse powder, ten troy ounces. 
Four pints of tincture are obtained by percolating the powder 
with diluted alcohol. This is evaporated to a pint ; the sugar is 



sago. 345 

then added, and the evaporation continued until the fluid again 
measures a pint J 

Therapeutics. Very little that is definite can be stated with 
regard to the action of sarsaparilla upon the animal economy ; 
it is supposed to be diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, and alterative. 
It is extensively employed in the treatment of secondary syphilis, 
but as it has been generally administered in combination with 
powerful remedies, it is difficult to ascertain how much influence 
this drug has had in the cure of the affection. By some practi- 
tioners sarsaparilla is regarded as a remedy of great value ; by 
others as possessing but little power : as a rule it is more relied 
on by surgeons than physicians. Sarsaparilla has also been given 
in cachectic conditions of the habit depending upon other causes, 
as in scrofula, &c. \ and in the form of the compound decoction, 
in which other stimulant sudorific agents are present, it is 
employed in the chronic forms of rheumatism, gout, and skin 
diseases. 

Dose. Of either decoction, 1J fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. ; of the liquid 
extract, £ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

Adulteration. Inferior kinds of sarsaparilla are substituted for 
the officinal Jamaica variety ; these yield much less extractive 
matter ; sometimes other substances are mixed with it, as dulca- 
mara, &c, detected by the difference of structure. 

PALMJE. 

Sago. Sago. (Not officinal.) The fecula of the stem of Sagus 
laevis, and other species of palm ; Lin. Syst., Monoecia hex* 
andria : native of the East Indies. 

Description. Sago of the shops is of two kinds ; the first 
variety, in very fine grains, is known as pearl sago ; in the 
second, or common sago, the grains are much larger and 
coarser. 

. Prop. & Comp. It consists principally of starch. Under the 
miscroscope the granules are found smaller than those of potato 
starch, the hilum is circular, breaking with a single slit, or in a 
stellate manner, and the circular rugse are much less marked. 

Therapeutics. It is easily digested, and nutritive ; chiefly used 
as an amylaceous diet for convalescents. 



346 MATERIA MEDICA. 



LILIACEJE. 

Scilla. Squill. The bulb, sliced and dried, of Urginea Scilla 
(Scilla maritima) ; Lin. Syst., Hexandria monogynia ; grow- 
ing on the southern coasts of Europe bordering on the Medi- 
terranean. 

Description. The recent bulb is pear-shaped, varying in size 
from a man's fist upwards, and weighing from half a pound to 
four pounds. It is made of a series of scales overlapping one 
another ; the outer ones are thin and membranous, brownish red 
or white ; the internal thicker, fleshy, white, and juicy. As met 
with in the shops, it is generally in small, thin transparent pieces, 
of a white or slight yellow colour, consisting of transverse sections 
of the bulb. 

Prop. <& Com/p. Squill has a disagreeably bitter taste ; the 
pieces are brittle and easily pulverable if very dry, but if exposed 
readily recovering moisture and flexibility. Squill yields its active 
constituents to water, acetic acid, and alcohol. From the most 
recent analysis, it appears to contain an acrid resin, having very 
powerful medicinal properties ; also a very hitter principle, Scilli- 
tine, together with sugar, mucilage, and citrate of lime, which is 
found in the form of acicular crystals in the parenchyma of the 
bulb. 

Off. Prep. Pilula SciLLiG Composita. Compound Squill 
Pill. (Squill in fine powder, one ounce and a quarter ; ginger, 
ammoniac, hard soap, each one ounce ; treacle by weight, two 
ounces, or a sufficiency.) [Squill, sixty grains ; ginger, ammoniac, 
each one hundred and twenty grains, all in fine powder ; soap, 
one hundred and eighty grains. The powders are mixed, and 
then beaten with syrup to form a mass, to be divided into one 
hundred and twenty pills. U. S.] 

Syrupus Scilla. Syrup of Squill. (Squill, bruised, two 
ounces and a half; dilute acetic acid, twenty fluid ounces ; refined 
sugar, two pounds ; proof spirit, one fluid ounce and a half.) The 
squill is first digested in the acetic acid, the spirit added, and then 
the solution filtered, and the sugar dissolved in with the aid of 
heat. The product should weigh three pounds two ounces, and 
should have the specific gravity 1*330. [Vinegar of squill, a 



ALOE SOCOTKLtfA. 347 

pint ; sugar, twenty-four troy ounces. Dissolve the sugar with 
the aid of heat and strain while hot. U. S.] 

[Acetum Scill^;. Vinegar of Squill. U. S. Four troy ounces 
of powdered squill are percolated with dilute acetic acid so as to 
obtain two pints of filtered liquor.] 

[Syrxjpus SciLLiB Compositus. Compound Syrup of Squill. 
U. S. Squill, seneka, each four troy ounces ; tartrate of anti- 
mony and potassa, forty-eight grains ; sugar, forty-two troy ounces. 
Three pints of tincture are obtained from the mixed seneka and 
squill by maceration and percolation ; to this, reduced by boiling 
and evaporation to a pint, six fluid ounces of boiling water. The 
sugar is dissolved in the filtered fluid, and the solution heated and 
strained. The tartrate of antimony and potassa is dissolved in 
the hot solution, and sufficient boiling water added through the 
strainer to make it measure three pints.] 

Tinctura Scillje. Tincture of Squill. (Squill, bruised, two 
ounces and a half, proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration 
and percolation.) 

Therapeutics. Squill acts as a stimulant expectorant and diu- 
retic, and in larger doses produces vomiting and purging. It in- 
creases the secretions of the bronchial mucous membrane, and also 
aids the expectoration of mucus, when abundant and viscid. Its 
stimulating and acrid properties render it inadmissible in cases 
of an active inflammatory nature. As a diuretic, it is generally 
given in combination with a mercurial. It is seldom given as an 
emetic, as it produces distressing nausea, and sometimes hyperca- 
tharsis. As an expectorant, ipecacuanha and ammoniacum are 
frequently conjoined with it. 

Dose. Of the powdered squills, 1 gr. to 2 gr. or more ; of pilula 
scillae comp., 5 gr. to 10 gr. ; of syrupus scillas (a substitute for 
oxymel scillse), \ fl. drm. to \\ fl. drm. ; of tinctura seillse, 10 min, 
to 20 min. 

Aloe Barbadensis. Barbadoes Aloes. Inspissated juice of the 
cut leaf of Aloe vulgaris, the common aloe, growing in the East 
and West Indies ; imported from Barbadoes. 

Aloe Socotrina. Socotrine Aloes. The juice of the cut leaf of 
uncertain species of aloes, hardened in the air ; usually procured 



348 MATERIA MED1CA. 

from Socotra. [The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe 
Socotrina. U. S.] 

[Aloe Capensis. Cape Aloes. The inspissated juice of the 
leaves of Aloe Spicata, and of other species of aloes. U. S.] 

Description. Barbadoes aloes is usually seen in the gourds in 
which it is collected and dried ; it has a dull appearance^and oc- 
curs in yellowish-brown masses, very opaque even in thin layers, 
with an odour which is extremely nauseous, especially when 
breathed upon ; the taste is intensely bitter ; it breaks with a dull 
conchoidal fracture ; when powdered, it has a dull olive-green 
colour ; it dissolves almost entirely in proof spirit, and during 
solution exhibits under the microscope numerous crystals ; it is the 
produce of Aloe vulgaris, and probably of other species also. 

Socotrine Aloes has a bright garnet-red colour ; breaks with a 
vitreous fracture, and possesses considerable transparency ; the 
odour is fruity, and by no means disagreeable, the taste very bit- 
ter ; the colour of the powder is bright orange-yellow, it dissolves 
entirely in proof spirit, and during solution exhibits under the 
microscope numerous minute crystals. The author has found that 
some specimens of transparent Socotrine aloes fail to show crys- 
tals under the microscope ; the cause of this is easily seen from 
what is stated below concerning the aloe juice. 

Within the last few years, a large sample of liquid aloes has 
been imported from the coasts of the Red Sea, stated to be the 
produce of the plant yielding true Socotrine aloes ; this liquid, 
which has the consistence of treacle, is at first nearly opaque, but 
gives rise to a deposit ; the upper portion then becomes transpa- 
rent, and the opaque sediment, under the microscope, is found to 
consist of myriads of prismatic crystals. When liquid aloes is 
dried at a very low temperature, as in the sun, an opaque mass, 
crystalline in structure, and not unlike Hepatic aloes, is produced ; 
when, however, heat is employed, the crystals are dissolved, and a 
transparent variety, similar to very transparent Socotrine aloes, 
results. Semi-opaque Socotrine, Hepatic, and Barbadoes aloes 
will also, if heated in thin layers, lose their crystalline structure, 
and become transparent. 

Hepatic Aloes (not now officinal), called also East Indian Aloes, 
has a dark reddish-brown or liver colour ; opaque or translucent ; 



PILULA ALOES BAEBADENSIS. 349 

usually more or less brittle ; possesses an odour not disagreeable ; 
taste very bitter ; the colour of the powder is yellow ; microscop- 
ically examined, numerous small crystals are usually observed. 

A fourth variety, called Cape Aloes, the produce of Aloe spicata 
and other species, is often met with in masses which break with 
a conchoidal fracture, of a greenish-brown colour, and having 
some translucency ; the powder is of a greenish-yellow tint, and 
does not exhibit any crystalline appearance under the microscope ; 
the odour is often strong, but not nauseous like Barbadoes aloes. 

An inferior kind of Cape aloes has been named Caballine 
aloes. 

Prop. (& Comp. A principle named Aloine has been obtained 
from nearly all the varieties of aloes, it crystallizes in needles, 
and has the formula C 34 H 18 O u ; it is probably the same as the 
crystalline matter contained in the semi-fluid form of aloes, and in 
the Barbadoes and ' Hepatic varieties ; in addition to this 
principle aloes contain a substance which has been named resin, 
differing however from ordinary resins in being soluble in boiling 
water ; it is probably formed from aloine by the action of the 
air : when aloes are acted upon by nitric acid several crystalline 
compounds are obtained, as Poly chromic, Chrysammic and Chryso- 
lepic acids, the solutions of which are strongly red and purple 
coloured. A peculiar acid, named Aloetic acid, is also found 
in aloes, which strikes olive-brown with the persalts of iron. 

Off. Prep. Of Barbadoes or Socptrine Aloes. Enema Aloes. 
Enema of Aloes. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Aloes, forty 
grains ; carbonate of potash, fifteen grains ; mucilage of starch, 
ten fluid ounces.) 

Of Barbadoes Aloes. 

Extractum Aloes Barbadensis. Extract of Barbadoes Aloes. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Barbadoes aloes, in small fragments, 
a pound ; boiling distilled water, one gallon. Made by exhausting 
the aloes with water, and evaporating the solution to a proper 
consistence.) 

Pilula Aloes Barbadensis. Pill of Barbadoes Aloes. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Barbadoes aloes, in powder, two ounces ; 
hard soap, in powder, one ounce ; oil of caraway, one fluid 
drachm ; confection of roses, one ounce.) 



350 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Barbadoes aloes is contained also in Pilula Cambogias Com- 
posita, Pilula Colocyntliidis Composita, and Pilula Colocynthidis 
et Hyoscyami. 

Of Socotrine Aloes. 

Decoctum Aloes Compositum. Compound Decoction of 
Aloes. [Not officinal in IT. S. P.] (Extract of socotrine aloes 
ninety grains ; myrrh, bruised, saffron, chopped fine, each sixty 
grains ; carbonate of potash, forty grains ; extract of liquorice, 
half an ounce ; compound tincture of cardamoms, four fluid 
ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency to form sixteen fluid ounces 
of decoction after ten minutes 7 boiling.) 

Extractum Aloes Socotrine. Extract of Socotrine Aloes. 
[Not officinal in U. S. P.] The same proportions as in the extract 
of Barbadoes aloes. 

Pilula Aloes Socotrine. Pill of Socotrine Aloes. (Soco- 
trine aloes, in powder, two ounces ; hard soap, in powder, one 
ounce ; volatile oil of nutmeg, one fluid drachm ; confection of 
roses, one ounce.) [Pilule Aloes. Pills of Aloes. U. S. Socotrine 
aloes, soap, each in fine powder, a troy ounce. Beat with water, 
into a mass, to be divided into two hundred and forty pills.] 

Pilula Aloes et AssAFCETiDiE. Pill of Aloes and Assafoetida. 
(Socotrine aloes, in powder, assafoetida, hard soap, in powder, 
and confection of roses, of each, one ounce.) [Socotrine aloes, 
assafoetida, soap, in fine powder, each, half a troy ounce. Beat 
them with water to form a mass, to be divided into one hundred 
and eighty pills. U. S.] 

Pilula Aloes et Myrrile. Pill of Aloes and Myrrh. (Soco- 
trine aloes, two ounces ; myrrh, one ounce ; saffron, dried, half 
an ounce ; confection of roses, two ounces and a half.) [Socotrine 
aloes, two troy ounces ; myrrh, a troy ounce ; saffron, half a troy 
ounce. Beat the whole with syrup, so as to form a pilular mass 
to be divided in four hundred and eighty pills. U. S.] 

[Pilule Aloes et Mastiches. U. S. Pills of Aloes, and Mas- 
tic. Socotrine aloes, a troy ounce and a half; mastic, red rose, 
each, half a troy ounce. Beat with water to form a pilular mass* 
to be divided into four hundred pills.] 

Tinctura Aloes. Tincture of Aloes. (Socotrine aloes, in 



VLtfUM ALOES. 351 

coarse powder, half an ounce ; extract of liquorice, one ounce and 
a half ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces.) 

[Tinctura Aloes et Myrrh^e. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. 
Socotrine aloes, myrrh, each, three troy ounces ; saffron, a troy 
ounce. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation. U. S.] 

Vinum Aloes. Wine of Aloes. (Socotrine aloes, one ounce 

and a half ; cardamoms, ground, eighty grains ; ginger, in coarse 

powder, eighty grains ; sherry, two pints. By maceration.) 

[Socotrine aloes, a troy ounce ; cardamom, ginger, each, sixty 

grains ; sherry wine, a pint. By maceration. U. S.] 

Socotrine aloes are also contained in Extractum Colocynthidis 
Co., Pilula Rhei Co., and Tinctura Benzoini Composita. 

TJierapeutics. Aloes, when taken internally, acts as a purgative, 
affecting chiefly the lower portion of the intestinal canal, some- 
times causing haemorrhoids. The secretions of the tube are but 
little augmented, and the action is slow in character ; by some 
observers the bile is asserted to be increased in quantity, and 
the drug appears to influence the whole portal circulation. 
Emmenagogue effects also are frequently produced. Upon the 
upper part of the canal, tonic and stomachic effects seem to be 
induced when small doses are administered 

Aloetic preparations are given in cases of habitual constipation, 
and are of great value from the little disposition they possess to 
produce a subsequent confined state of the bowels. 

In chronic dyspepsia they frequently form a portion of the 
habitual pill, and may be combined with tonics and stomachics. 
They are often used as adjuncts to other purgatives, as colocynth 
rhubarb, scammony, &c, when full cathartic effects are desired, 
and when there is a defective secretion of bile. 
I Combined with iron and myrrh, aloes are frequently given in 
amenorrhoea, connected with defective action of the pelvic organs, 
and an anaemic condition of the blood. 

Aloes should be avoided in cases where there is much tendency 
to haemorrhoids, or when inflammatory action is present in the 
abdominal organs. 

There appears to be but little difference of action between the 
officinal species of aloes. Cape aloes, however, which is not un- 
frequently employed, is less active than the others. 



352 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Dose, Of either barbadoes or socotrine aloes, in powder, 2 gr. 
to 6 gr. ; of the extracts of aloes, 2 gr. to 6 gr. ; of the compound 
decoction of aloes, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the barbadoes or soco- 
trine aloes pill, 4 gr. to 15 gr. ; of aloes and assafcetida pill, 5 gr. 
to 15 gr. ; of aloes and myrrh pill, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of the tincture 
of aloes, 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. ; of the wine of aloes, 1 fl. drm. to 
2 fl. drm. 

Smaller doses may be given as adjuncts to other purgatives, or 
when the drug is given in combination with stomachics. The 
watery extracts are considered to be milder preparations than the 
aloes from which they are prepared. 

MELANTHACEiE. 

Veratrum. [Veratrum Album. IT. S.] White Hellebore. The 
rhizome of Veratrum album ; Lin. Syst., Polygamia monoecia ; 
growing in the Pyrenees and Alps. (Not officinal.) 

Description. The rhizome is met with in conical truncated 
pieces, about two or three inches long, and about one inch in 
diameter, with numerous radicles proceeding from it ; yellowish- 
brown and wrinkled on the outside, light-coloured within, with 
little odour when dry, but an acrid bitter taste. 

Prop. & Oomp. White Hellebore contains the alkaloid, 
veratria, united with an acid formerly considered to be gallic acid, 
probably veratric. 

Prep. Vinum Veratri, Zond. 1851. Wine of White Helle- 
bore. (White hellebore, sliced, eight ounces ; sherry wine, two 
pints. Macerate for seven days, and strain.) 

Therapeutics. Veratrum acts as a powerful emetic and drastic 
purgative, causing much thirst and irritation of the alimentary 
canal ; when applied to the mucous membranes of the nose, intense 
sneezing results ; and on the skin it also acts as a topical irritant. 
It is not much employed as a remedy at the present time, but was 
formerly given in cerebral affections, as mania, epilepsy, &c. It 
has been proposed as a remedy in gout, in lieu of colchicum, but 
from the author's experience of its effects, he is sure that its action 
differs completely from that of colchicum ; it appears to produce 
a burning sensation of the oesophagus, parched mouth, and intense 
thirst, accompanied by great depression, without any alleviation 



VERATRUM VIRLDE. 353 

of the gouty symptoms. Externally veratrum is used in scabies, 
and occasionally in obstinate skin affections, in the form of the 
Compound Sulphur Ointment of the London Pharmacopoeia, 1851. 
Dose. Of vinum veratri, 10 min. to 20 min. 

-Veratrum Viride. The rhizome of Veratrum viride ; American 
or Green Hellebore ; called also Swamp Hellebore and Indian 
Poke ; growing in the marshes and swampy districts of North 
America. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] 

Description. The rhizome is thick and fleshy, and sends off nu- 
merous pale yellow radicles ; it resembles closely, in appearance 
and sensible properties, Veratrum album ; it has a peculiar acrid 
taste, and produces the same sensation of tingling about the fauces 
as the white hellebore. 

Prop. (& Comj?. The rhizome has been as yet but imperfectly 
examined ; it is, however, stated to contain veratria / at any rate, 
the alkaloid obtained from it causes the intense local irritation 
and sneezing produced by that principle ; in its chemical reac- 
tion also, it appears to resemble the active principle from the 
sabadilla seeds. 

[Tinctura Veratri Viridis. Tincture of American Hellebore. 
U S.] 

Prep. A tincture has been made with eight ounces of the 
dried root to sixteen fluid ounces of the spirit ; also an extract 
from the fresh juice. 

[Extractum Veratri Viridis Fluidum. Fluid extract of 
American Hellebore. U. S. Three pints of tincture obtained by 
percolation from sixteen ounces of American Hellebore, are evap- 
orated to sixteen fluid ounces.] 

Therapeutics. Veratrum viride appears to act upon the system 
in a manner very analogous to Veratrum album, causing the topi- 
cal irritation, as shown by the dryness of the fauces and vomiting ; 
and after absorption, it produces extreme depression of the heart, 
arterial and nervous systems ; it has been stated to differ from 
white hellebore in not causing purging, but cases are on record of 
poisoning with white hellebore without the occurrence of this 
symptom. Possibly the production of purging may depend on the 
form in which it is given, whether in substance or solution. Vera- 
trum viride is asserted to be a valuable agent in controlling the 
2i 



354 MATERIA MEDICA. 

vascular system in cases of inflammatory disease, and especially in 
rheumatic fever, gout, and allied affections. The depression and 
slowness of the pulse appear to be characteristic symptoms of its 
action. 

Dose. Of the powdered rhizome, 1 gr. to 3 gr. or more ; of 
the tincture, 5 min. to 15 min. or more ; of the extract (made from 
the fresh juice) \ gr. to f gr. or more. [Of the fluid extract, 3 to 
8 minims.] 

This drug should be used with caution, and any symptom of de- 
pression carefully watched for. 

Sabadilla. Cevadilla. The dried fruits of Asagrsea officinalis ; 
Lin. Syst., Hexandria trigynia ; imported from Vera Cruz and 
Mexico. 

Veratria. An alkaloid obtained from Cevadilla ; not quite pure. 

Description. The fruit is about -J an inch long, consisting of 3 
light brown papyraceous follicles, each containing from 1 to 3 
seeds, which are about J of an inch long, blackish-brown, shining, 
slightly winged, with an intensely bitter acrid taste. Veratria 
occurs in the form of a white or dirty-white powder. 

Prop. & Comp. The cevadilla fruit owes its virtues to the 
alkaloid veratria, which is almost insoluble in water, sparingly 
soluble in ether, but freely soluble in alcohol, and readily so in 
dilute acids, leaving traces of an insoluble brown resinoid matter. 
It has no odour, but a strongly and persistently bitter and highly 
acrid taste. Veratria is crystalline, and can be obtained in long 
needles from an alcoholic solution ; though the veratria used in 
medicine is always in an amorphous state. The formula of the 
pure alkaloid is (C 64 H 52 N 2 16 ). It causes violent sneezing when 
applied to the nostrils. Brought into contact with strong sul- 
phuric acid it assumes an intense red colour, and with nitric acid 
forms a yellow solution. The veratria of commerce is said to 
contain another principle, sabadillina, insoluble in ether, in which 
it differs from veratria ; it does not excite sneezing. Gallic acid 
appears to be united with veratria in the cevadilla fruit. 

Off. Prep. — Of Veratria. Unguentum Veratrle. Ointment 
of Veratria. (Veratria, eight grains ; prepared lard, one ounce ; 
olive oil, half a fluid drachm.) [Veratria, twenty grains ; lard, a 
troy ounce. U. S.] 



COLCHICI SEMEN. 355 

Yerateia. The alkaloid is ordered to be made by macerating 
cevadilla with, boiling distilled water, then drying and separating 
the seeds, which are ground in a coffee-mill, and thoroughly ex- 
hausted with rectified spirit. The alcoholic solution is concen- 
trated so long as no deposit forms, and then poured, when hot, 
into twelve times its bulk of cold distilled water. The precipi- 
tate thus formed is remo ed by filtration, and washed ; and to 
the filtered liquid ammonia is added in slight excess, the precipi- 
tate allowed completely to subside, then collected on a filter and 
washed ; while still moist, it is diffused through distilled water, 
and sufficient hydrochloric acid is added to make the fluid acid. 
It is then digested with animal charcoal, filtered, re-precipitated 
with ammonia, the precipitate washed on a filter till the washings 
cease to be affected by a solution of nitrate of silver acidu- 
lated with nitric acid, and finally dried by imbibition and on a 
steam bath. 

Therapeutics. As veratrum, but much more powerful ; some- 
times it is used as a topical irritant in lieu of aconite ; it has a 
less benumbing effect. 

Dose, y 1 ^ gr. to \ gr. It should be exhibited with great care 
if used internally. 

Colchici Cormus. [Radix. U. S.] Colchicum Corm. The re- 
cent and dried Corm of the wild herb Colchicum autumnale ; 
Lin. Syst., Hexandria trigynia ; indigenous. 

Colchici Semen. The Seeds, fully ripe, of the Colchicum autum- 
nale. 

The Pharmacopoeia directs that the corm should be dug up 
about the end of June, or before the autumnal bud is developed ; 
and for the drying, it directs that the dry tunics being first re- 
moved, the corm should be cut transversely into thin slices, and 
dried at first with a gentle heat, gradually increasing to a tempe- 
rature not exceeding 150° Fah. 

Description. The corm is about the size of a chestnut, and of a 
somewhat similar shape, being convex on one side, and flattened 
or slightly concave on the other, where it has an undeveloped 
bud. When recent, it is solid and fleshy with an external brown 
membranous coat, internally white, and yielding a milky juice on 
section. There is often a small lateral projection from its base. 



356 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

When dried and deprived of its outer coat, it is of an ash-grey 
colour ; it is generally met with in transverse slices forming a 
somewhat oval plane, about a line thick, firm, flat, whitish, and 
amylaceous ; one border convex, the other concave or slightly 
hollowed out. The taste is bitter and acrid. The seeds are 
spherical, externally of a reddish-brown colour, white within, 
rather more than a line in diameter, and about the size of black 
mustard seed. 

Prop. & Cow/p. The corm, and also the seeds, contain fatty 
matters, gum, starch, lignin, with a peculiar acid — the Cevadic 
acid — and a crystalline principle, Colchicine, more soluble in 
water than veratria, soluble also in alcohol ; it has very seldom 
been isolated. 

Off. Prep. — Of the Corm. Extractum Colchici. Extract of 
Colchicum. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (The expressed juice, 
heated to 212°, strained and evaporated at a temperature not ex- 
ceeding 160°, to the proper consistence.) 

Extractum Colchici Aceticum. Acetic Extract of Colchicum. 
(As the above, with the use of six fluid ounces of acetic acid to 
seven pounds of corms deprived of their coats.) [Twelve troy 
ounces of powdered colchicum root, are mixed with four fluid 
ounces of acetic acid, diluted with a pint of water, the mixture 
placed in a glass percolator and water poured on gradually until 
it passes with little or no taste. The filtrate is then evaporated 
to the consistence of an extract. U. S.] 

Vinum Colchici. Wine of Colchicum. [Yinum Colchici 
Radicis. Wine of Colchicum Root. U. S.] Colchicum corm, 
dried and sliced, four ounces ; sherry, twenty fluid ounces. Pre- 
pared by maceration.) [Two pints of wine of colchicum root are 
obtained by percolating twelve troy ounces of the root in fine 
powder, by a sufficient quantity of sherry wine.] 

[Yinum Colchici Seminis. Wine of Colchicum Seed. U. S. 
Colchicum seed, in coarse powder, four troy ounces j sherry wine, 
two pints. Prepared by maceration.] 

Of the Seed?, Tinctura Colchici Seminis. Tincture of Col- 
chicum Seed. (Colchicum seed, bruised, two ounces and a half ; 
proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and 
percolation.) 



VEtfUM COLCHICI. 357 

Therapeutics. Colchicum in medicinal doses produces increased 
action of some of the secreting organs ; the bile appears to be 
thrown out in larger quantities, and the faeces become more col- 
oured, and often give evidence of containing the real organic por- 
tion of that fluid as well as the colouring matter. 

The urine is sometimes increased in quantity, and it is generally 
asserted that the urea and uric acid are also augmented, but from 
numerous trials the author is inclined to question the accuracy of 
the last assertion ; at times, also, the action of the skin is increased. 

The heart's action is diminished, and in some patients, intermis- 
sion of the pulse is produced by the drug ; in large doses, vomiting 
and purging, accompanied by intense prostration, ensue. 

In gout, when colchicum is administered to patients suffering 
from inflammation and pain, these symptoms are usually greatly 
relieved, and to such an extent does this occur, that the drug is 
regarded as almost a specific in an acute attack of the disease. 
Colchicum is employed very extensively in the different forms of 
gout ; sometimes given in small doses short of inducing purging, 
at other times to act freely on the bowels ; it certainly possesses 
a power of controlling the pain and inflammation in gout, inde- 
pendent of all evident increase of the secretions ; in what way this 
effect is produced is at present unknown. 

In acute rheumatism and other inflammatory affections, colchi- 
cum often relieves, probably rather by its controlling power over 
the heart's action, than by any specific effect of the medicine. 

Colchicum may also be very advantageously given, in cases of 
imperfect action of the liver, as a cholagogue, combined with other 
purgatives ; and it may be often substituted for mercurials. It 
has occasionally been prescribed in dropsies and skin affections. 

Some practitioners prefer the seeds, some the corm, some again 
the flowers ; it appears however most probable, that the same prin- 
ciple gives activity to all parts of the plant, and that any differ- 
ence is in degree rather than in character. 

Dose. Of pulvis cormi colchici, 2 gr. to 8 gr. ; of extractum 
colchici, -J gr. to 2 gr. ; of extractum colchici aceticum, -J- gr. to 
2 gr. ; of tinctura colchici, 10 min. to -J- fl. drm. j of vinum colchici, 
10 min. to \ fl. drm. 



358 MATERIA MEDICA. 



GRAMINACEiE. 

Farina. Wheat Flour. Appendix A. The flour of the seed 
ground and sifted, of Triticum vulgare ; Lin. Syst., Triandria 
digynia ; growing in- Europe, and cultivated also over the 
greater part of the civilised world. . 

Bread. Bread made with Wheat Flour. Appendix A. 

Amylum. Wheat Starch. Starch procured from the seed of Tri- 
ticum vulgare. 

Description. These substances are too well known to need 
description. Starch occurs in white columnar masses, which be- 
come blue with solution of iodine. 

Prop. <& Comp. Flour consists chiefly of starch and gluten, 
together with gum, sugar, mucilage, and water. If kneaded under 
a stream of water, the starch is washed away, and a tenacious 
mass left behind, which consists of gluten, constituting from 10 to 
12 per cent, of the flour. Gluten prepared in the above manner 
consists of two different substances, one of which is soluble in 
alcohol, pure gluten, or vegetable fibrine, the other insoluble in 
that menstruum known as vegetable albumen. Starch occurs as a 
white granular powder, without odour or taste, which under the 
microscope is found to consist of grains of varying size, having 
more or less of a circular outline and flattened, the hilum in the 
centre is surrounded by a series of concentric rings reaching some- 
times nearly to the circumference. Each grain is formed of a 
thin external albuminous coat, containing a substance which is 
termed amidin or gelatinous starch. 

Amidin is the same from whatever source derived, and it is to 
the different forms of the external coat that the peculiarities of 
the different granules of starch, when derived from the different 
sources, are due. Amidin is soluble in hot water, but starch re- 
quires boiling for some little time, in order that the contents of 
the granules may swell and burst the envelope, before a solution 
can be made. Amidin strikes a fine blue colour on the addition 
of free iodine, forming a compound (Iodide of Amidin), which is a 
ready means of detecting its presence ; this blue colour is de- 
stroyed by a heat of 200° Fah., but returns when the solution 



AVENA. 359 

cools. By heating for some time with dilute sulphuric acid, starch 
is first converted into dextrine, and afterwards into glucose or 
grape sugar. Strong nitric acid changes starch into oxalic acid. 
The composition of amidin or gelatinous starch is represented by 
the formula (C 24 H 20 O 20 ). 

Off. Prep. — Of Amylutn. Mucilago Amyli. [Not officinal 
in U. S. P.] Mucilage of starch. (Starch, one hundred and 
twenty grains ; distilled water, ten fluid ounces. Prepared by 
trituration and boiling.) 

Therapeutics. Made into bread, flour forms a well-known 
nutritive article of diet. In medicine it is chiefly used in the form 
of bread crumbs (mica panis), for giving consistence to pills ; it is 
also employed as an emollient cataplasm. Flour is used as an in- 
gredient of Cataplasma Fermenti. Starch is a mild nutritive de- 
mulcent ; in the form of mucilage, it is used as a vehicle for 
enemata. 

Hordeum. Pearl Barley. The decorticated seeds of Hordeum 
distichon ; Lin. Syst., Triandria digynia ; cultivated in 
Britain. 

Description. Chiefly seen in the shops in the form of pearl 
barley, white, rounded, retaining a trace of the longitudinal 
furrow. It consists of the seeds decorticated and rounded in a 
mill. 

Prop. & Comjp. It contains gluten, starch, gum, and saccharine 
matters. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Hordei. Decoction of Barley. (Pearl 
barley, two ounces ; boiling distilled water, thirty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by washing the barley well in cold water, rejecting the 
washings ; and subsequent decoction.) 

Therapeutics. Used in medicine in the form of decoction as a 
mild nutritive and demulcent drink. 
Pose. Ad libitum. 

Avena. Oats. (Not officinal.) The decorticated seeds of Avena 
sativa, the Common Oat ; Lin. Syst., Triandria digynia ; grow- 
ing in almost all parts of the world. 

Description. The decorticated grains are known as groats ; 
when decorticated and ground to powder, as prepared groats. 



360 MATEEIA MEB1CA. 

First dried in a kiln, and then coarsely ground, they form oat- 
meal. 

Prop, dfc Com]?. Oatmeal contains starch, gluten, lignin, sugar, 
and bitter extractive. The amount of starch is considerable, 
amounting sometimes to 72 per cent. 

Therapeutics. A useful demulcent and emollient, much used 
in the form of a decoction familiarly known as gruel, also as an 
enema. 

Ergota. Ergot. The grain of the Secale cereale, diseased by an 
imperfect fungus. [The diseased seeds of Secale cereale. 
U. S.] Secale cornutum, Spurred Rye. 

Description. Ergot occurs in grains, varying in length from 
one-third of an inch to an inch, and in breadth in the same 
proportion ; somewhat triangular in form, curved, obtuse at the 
ends, furrowed on two sides, of a purple or brown colour, 
covered more or less by a bloom ; moderately brittle ; fracture 
short, exhibiting a white or pinkish interior ; odour faint, but in 
large quantities, strong and peculiar. Ergot has been considered 
as a fungus growing in the place of the ovary between the glumes, 
or as a diseased condition of the grain, produced by the mycelium 
of Cordyceps purpurea. The latter view seems to be the one 
more generally entertained at present. 

The healthy grain of rye consists of the seed-coat, composed of 
outer and inner layers, and the cells, containing gluten ; and next, 
the cells of albumen, containing starch. In the ergotized grain, 
the seed-coat and gluten cells are replaced by a layer of dark 
cells — the large cells of the albumen by the small cells of the 
ergot, and the starch grains of the albumen cells by drops of oil. 
The bloom consists of the sporidia of the fungus. 

The ergot is liable to be fed on by a species of acarus, which 
sometimes destroys the whole interior, leaving only the outer 
shell and its own excrementitial matter. 

Prop. & Comp. Ergot contains a large quantity of fixed oil, 
about 35 per cent. ; this was at first thought to be the active 
principle ; subsequent researches have shown, however, that the 
fixed oil, when obtained by expression, is inactive, and it would 
seem that the active principle is extracted with the oil, and re- 
mains dissolved in it, but the oil itself is not that principle. A 



OTFUSUM ERGOTS. 361 

peculiar reddish-brown substance having active properties has 
been named Ergotine, soluble in water, forming a red solution, 
and having a strong bitter taste. It is stated that ergotine con- 
stitutes about 15 per cent, of the ergotized grain. By distillation 
with potash, propylamin (C 8 H 9 NH 2 ) has been procured from 
ergot, a substance having the peculiar odour of herring pickle. 
Ergot yields its peculiar virtues to alcohol and water. 

Off. Prep. Extractum Ergots Liquidum. Liquid Extract 
of Ergot. (Ergot, in coarse powder, one pound ; ether, twenty 
fluid ounces ; distilled water, seventy fluid ounces ; rectified spirit, 
eight fluid ounces. The product should measure sixteen fluid 
ounces. Prepared by removing the oily matters by percolating 
with well-washed ether, digesting the marc in water at 160°, 
evaporating this liquid, and then adding spirit, and filtering from 
the coagulum which is formed.) Each fluid part of this extract 
represents a solid part of the drug. 

[Extractum Ergots Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Ergot. U. S. 
Ergot, in fine powder, sixteen troy ounces ; acetic, half a fluid 
ounce. The acid is mixed with three pints of diluted alcohol, and 
with the mixture twelve ounces of tincture are obtained by perco- 
lation. This is set aside, and the ergot is then percolated with 
the remainder of the mixture, and with diluted alcohol, until three 
pints more of tincture have been obtained. This last is evaporated 
to four fluid ounces, and mixed with the reserved tincture.] 

Infusum Ergots. Infusion of Ergot. [Not officinal in U. S. 
P.] (Ergot, in coarse powder, one quarter of an ounce ; boiling 
distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) 

Tinctura Ergots. Tincture of Ergot. [Not officinal in U. 
S. P.] (Ergot, bruised, five ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid 
ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation. 

[Vinum Ergotas. Wine of Ergot. U. S. Ergot, in powder, 
four troy ounces. Two pints of wine are obtained by percolation 
with sherry wine.] 

Therapeutics. Ergot exercises a peculiar influence on the mus- 
cular coat of the uterus, causing powerful contractions, especially 
when in a pregnant state ; it also acts on the muscular coats of 
the vessels of that organ, and apparently on those of the general 
system. When taken for a long period in small quantities, as in 



362 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

the form of bread made from ergotized grain, it produces a species 
of gangrene, resembling gangrena senilis, probably due to its caus- 
ing obstruction of the vessels by diminishing their calibre. In 
large doses it induces nausea, vomiting, delirium, stupor, and even 
death. Its action is said to diminish the frequency and fulness of 
the pulse. It is most frequently employed to cause contraction of 
the uterus in cases of labour, and the contractions induced by it 
differ from the natural ones in being continued, instead ,of alter- 
nating with relaxations. In hsemorrhage after delivery it is espe- 
cially indicated, also in Menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, and sometimes 
in amenorrhea. 

Dose. Of the liquid extract, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. ; of the infu- 
sion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, i fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. ; 
of the powder, 20 gr. to 30 gr. (Infused in boiling water for 
about 20 minutes, and both infusion and dregs taken.) 

Saccharum Album. [Saccharum. IT. S.] Refined Sugar. The 
purified crystalline juice prepared from the stem of Saccharum 
officinarum ; Lin. Syst., Triandria digynia ; cultivated in the 
West Indies and other tropical climates. 

Description. White or lump sugar is too familiar as an article 
of domestic economy to receive detailed description. It occurs in 
compact crystalline conical loaves, snow white, dry, scentless, and 
intensely and purely sweet. 

Prop. & Comp. The uncrystallizable liquid forming the mother 
liquor from which the sugar is crystallized is molasses or treacle ; 
the crystalline portion is clarified and refined in a manner the de- 
scription of which would occupy too much space in a work of the 
present size. Cane sugar has the formula (C 12 H n On); it is soluble 
in half its weight of cold, and in a much less quantity of hot water ; 
a very strong and viscid solution is called syrup. Carefully crys- 
tallized from a strong solution with the addition of spirit, it forms 
oblique four-sided prisms, sugar candy. Heated to 365° Fah., it 
melts, forming a viscid liquid, which when suddenly cooled, solidi- 
fies into an amorphous transparent substance, called barley sugar. 
It is less soluble in water than grape sugar, and readily converted 
into that substance by the action of weak acids, or by fermentation. 

Off. Prep. Syrupus. Syrup. (Refined sugar, five pounds ; 
distilled water, forty ounces. The specific gravity should be 1*33.) 



filxx. 363 

Therapeutics. Sugar is demulcent ; its sweet taste renders it 
useful to cover the unpleasant flavour of some remedies. Sugar is 
used in the formation of the syrups of the Pharmacopoeia, and in 
various other preparations. 

Dose. Of sugar or syrup, ad libitum. 

Adulteration. Sugar is liable to contain some sulphate of lime, 
and also lead, from its mode of purification ; but the proportion 
of these substances is so minute, as to be innocuous in the amount 
given medicinally, though not harmless when sugar is daily used 
in considerable quantities for domestic purposes. 

Theriaca. Treacle. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Sacchari Faex., 
Ph. Lond. 1851. The uncrystallized residue of the refining of 
sugar. 

Prop. & Comp. Treacle occurs as a dark reddish-brown thick 
fluid ; very sweet ; sp. gr. P40. It consists chiefly of sugar ren- 
dered uncrystallizable by heat ; it is capable of fermentation with 
yeast, and then yields rum by distillation. It should be free from 
a burnt odour and taste. 

Therapeutics. Treacle acts as a slight laxative, in doses of a 
teaspoonful and upwards • it is often given in combination with 
sulphur. 

CLASS III. ACOTYLEDONES. 

Sub- Class I. Acrogen^. 

EILICES. 

Filix. Fern Root. The dried rhizome of Aspidium Filix-mas ; 

Lin. Syst., Cryptogamia Alices ; Male Shield Fern ; indigenous ; 

it should be collected in summer. 
Description. The central part, or caudex, is thick and cylin- 
drical, with numerous leaf-stalks surrounding the axis ; the spaces 
intervening between are covered with silky scales, and numerous 
radicles descending beneath them. The dried root is of a greenish 
brown colour externally, yellowish within, with a peculiar though 
slight odour, and a taste at first sweet, then bitter. The colour 
of the powder is yellowish-green, with a disagreeable odour and 
a nauseous, bitter, somewhat astringent taste. 



364 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

Prop. & Comp. In addition to starch, gum, and salts, the male 
fern contains a volatile oil, resin, and a fixed oil. The active 
properties of the rhizome are soluble in ether ; the etherial extract 
referred to below, commonly known as the oil of male fern, is of a 
dark colour, containing the volatile and fixed oil, resin, and col- 
ouring matter in solution. 

Off. Prep. Extkactum Filicis Liquidum. Liquid Extract of 
Fern Root. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Fern root, in coarse 
powder, two pounds ; ether, eighty fluid ounces, or a sufficient 
quantity to exhaust the root. Prepared by percolation and sub- 
sequent evaporation or distillation of the ether.) 

Therapeutics. Fern root is used as an anthelmintic, and acts 
apparently by killing the worms, and thus aiding their expulsion 
from the intestinal canal. Its use has been attended with much 
success in cases of tapeworm ; it is said to be more useful against 
the Bothriocephalus latus than against the Tasnia solium. It 
should be given on an empty stomach, and followed after an inter- 
val by some mild purgative. 

Dose. Of the powder, 60 gr. to 180 gr. ; of the liquid extract, 
30 min. to 2 fl. drm. 

Sub- Class II. Tpiallogen^:. 

LICHENES. 

Cetraria. Iceland Moss. Cetraria islandica ; Lichen islandicus ; 
Island Lichen or Moss ; Liverwort ; the entire lichen obtained 
in large quantities in Iceland, hence its name. 

Description. Iceland moss consists of a foliaceous thallus, the 
lobes irregularly subdivided, crisp, cartilaginous, brownish-white, 
paler beneath, fringed at the edges ; bitter and mucilaginous. 

Prop, d? Comp. The soluble portion is taken up by boiling 
water. The decoction, on cooling, thickens, and deposits a gela- 
tinous matter ; this, when dried, forms a semi-transparent mass, 
insoluble in cold water, alcohol, or ether, but soluble in boiling 
water, and striking blue with iodine ; this is named Lichenin. 
Iceland moss contains also a bitter principle, soluble in alcohol and 
ether, and readily in alkaline solutions, but sparingly so in water ; 



LACMUS. 365 

this is crystallizable, arid has acid properties ; it is called cetraric 
acid. 

Off. Prep. Decoctum Cetrarle. Decoction of Iceland Moss. 
(Iceland moss, well washed in cold water, one ounce ; distilled 
water, thirty fluid ounces. Reduce to twentv bv boiling;.") 

Titer apeutics. Iceland moss, deprived of its bitter principle, is 
used by the natives of Iceland and Lapland as an article of diet. 
The decoction is demulcent and slightly tonic. The cetraric acid 
is said to have been useful in intermittents as a substitute for 
quinia. 

Dose. Of the decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

Lacmus. Litmus. Appendix B. A peculiar blue colouring mat- 
ter, obtained from Roccella tinctoria, Lecanora tartarea, and 
other lichenous plants. Litmus is extensively prepared in 
Holland. 
Description. It occurs in small cakes, made up of a granular 
powder, of a fine blue colour. 

Prop. & Com]). It is prepared by macerating the lichen for 
some time in water, rendered alkaline by lime and potash, and 
mixed with urine : a species of fermentation occurs : the mass 
becomes first red and afterwards blue ; it is then removed and 
reduced to the proper consistence by sand, lime, <fcc. 

Off. Prep. Tixctuee of Lmrus. Appendix. (Made by di- 
gesting one ounce of powdered litmus in ten fluid ounces of proof 
spirit.) 

Blue Litmus Paper. Appendix. (Made by steeping unsized 
paper in the tincture of litmus, and drying by exposure to the air.) 

Red Litmus Paper. (Made by steeping unsized paper in the 
tincture previously reddened with a trace of sulphuric acid, and 
dried in the air.) 

Uses. — Blue Litmus Paper is used as a test for acids, as any 
liquid having an acid reaction turns the colour of the paper from 
blue to red. 

Red Litmus Paper 1 on the contrary, serves to indicate the pres- 
ence of any substance having an alkaline reaction, which restores 
the original blue colour to the paper. 

The Tincture of Litmus, when diluted with water, may be used 
as a test for the presence of acids. 



366 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 



ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



CLASS, MAMMALIA. 

HOBENTIA. 

Castoreum. Castor. The follicles of the prepuce of the Castor 
Fiber, Beaver, filled with a peculiar secretion ; dried and sepa- 
rated from the somewhat shorter and smaller oil-sacs, which 
are frequently attached to them ; from the Hudson's Bay Ter- 
ritory. # 
Description. The follicles -are in pairs, about 3 inches long, 
fig-shaped, firm and heavy, brown or grayish-black, and contain a 
dry resinous highly odorous secretion. The castor of commerce is 
of two varieties, the Russian and Canadian ; the former is the 
most highly prized. This substance is secreted by a pair of mem- 
branous pear-shaped follicles, situated between the anus and ex- 
ternal genitals, and united by a common duct to one another. It 
is a dark-coloured matter, of the consistence of putty, with a pecu- 
liar odour. In Russian castor, the sacs are larger, fuller, and 
have a stronger smell. In the Canadian variety, they are more or 
less wrinkled externally, and the contents inferior. The consist- 
ence of the contents varies with the amount of water present. 

Prop. & Comp. Castor contains volatile oil, uric, phosphoric 
and benzoic acids, combined with potash, soda, and lime, also car- 
bonate of ammonia, salicine, carbolic acid, and a peculiar principle, 
castorin. Its active properties are taken up by ether and alcohol ; 
slightly by water ; but they are decomposed by boiling for some 
time. The contents of the sacs should be in great part soluble in 
rectified spirit and ether. 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Castorei. Tincture of Castor. (Cas- 
tor, one ounce ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces. [Castor, two 
troy ounces ; alcohol, two pints. U. S.] Prepared by maceration.) 

Therapeutics. Castor is stimulant, and antispasmodic ; hence 



MTJSK. 367 

it has been used in hysteria and epilepsy, and also to rouse the 
system in cases of an adynamic type, as in typhoid pneumonia. 

Dose. In substance, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of tincture, \ fl. drm to 
2 fl. drm. 

EITMINANTIA. 

IVXoschus. Musk. The inspissated secretion deposited in the 
follicles of the prepuce of Moschus nioschiferus ; native of 
Thibet and other parts of central Asia. 

Description. Musk is contained in a sac situated midway be- 
tween the umbilicus and the prepuce ; the sack is oval and hairy, 
opening externally by a narrow orifice, small and hairy at its 
anterior part ; internally, lined by a smooth membrane, secreting 
the musk. There are two chief varieties, the Chinese and 
the Russian. The sacs are about two inches in diameter, 
hairy on one side, destitute of hair3 on the other, with the 
hairs concentrically arranged around the opening ; the Chinese 
sacs are the smallest, and the^colour of the hairs darker than in 
the Russian variety. From 100 to 200 grains of musk are con- 
tained in each sac. 

Prop. & Com]?. Musk occurs in irregular, reddish-black, rath- 
er unctuous grains concreted together, soft to the touch ; the 
odour is very strong, and diffuses itself over a great space ; it 
contains ammonia, stearine, oleine, cholesterine, various salts, and 
small quantities of animal matter, with a volatile oil, thought by 
some to be in combination with ammonia ; the proportion of these 
substances varies in different specimens ; the active ingredients 
are soluble in alcohol and ether. Potash evolves ammonia, and 
increases the peculiar odour. 

Therapeutics. Musk is stimulant and antispasmodic, resembling 
castor in its action, and is useful in the same class of cases. 

Dose. 5 gr. and upwards. 

Adulteration. On account of the high price of this drug, it is 
very liable to be adulterated ; the sac containing the musk is 
often emptied of its contents, and filled up with a mixture of dried 
blood, with a greater or less proportion of true musk, and the sac. 
carefully closed again : traces of the opening should be sought for. 
Sacs are manufactured from the scrotum or skin of the animal, 



368 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

and filled with a spurious mixture of musk, sand, and dried blood. 
The form and character of the bag should be noted, to see whether 
it differs from that described as genuine ; the bag, if made from 
any other portion of the skin, may be recognized by the peculiar 
arrangement and microscopic character of the hairs ; those of the 
true sac exhibit distinct, regular colour-cells, not found in the 
hairs of spurious pods. 

Sevum Prseparatum. [Sevum. U. S.] Prepared suet. The 
internal fat of the abdomen of Ovis Aries, The Sheep ; purified 
by melting and straining. 

Description, Suet is the fat of the sheep chiefly obtained from 
the region of the kidney. It is prepared by melting at a gentle 
heat, and straining. Suet is white, soft, smooth, almost scentless, 
fusible at 103° ; it is soluble in ether and boiling alcohol ; it con- 
sists principally of stearine and oleine. Stearine forms the chief 
portion of suet ; it may be obtained crystallized from an etherial 
solution, and then appears in small white plates of a shining 
character ; fuses at 143° Fah., and when it solidifies, becomes 
opaque, and loses its crystalline character ; it is soluble in alcohol 
and boiling ether, but insoluble in cold ether ; its formula is 
(C m H 110 12 ) ; by saponification it is converted into stearic acid 
(HO, C 36 H 35 3 ), and glycerine (C 6 H 8 6 ) ; stearine has lately 
been artificially produced by heating under pressure stearic acid 
and glycerine. Oleine is the more liquid constituent of fat ; it 
forms an oily fluid varying in quantity in the different varieties of 
fat, and generally holds in solution more or less of the solid con- 
stituents, from which it is separated completely with some diffi- 
culty. It exists in large quantity in the vegetable oils. The 
exact composition of oleine is doubtful ; it is more soluble in 
alcohol than either stearine or margarine ; by treatment with an 
alkali it is resolved into oleic acid (HO, C 3S H 33 3 ) and glycerine. 

Therapeutics, Suet is emollient, and is used in the preparation 
of certain ointments and plasters, sometimes also as an addition to 
poultices. 

Ccrmi. The horn of Cervus Elephas. Hartshorn. (Not of- 
cinal.) 

Cornu Ustum. Burnt Horn. Phosphate of lime, prepared from 
horn by fire. (Not officinal.) 



COKOT USTUM. 369 

Description. Hartshorn is met with in the form of fine shav- 
ings, of a yellowish colour, without odour. Cornu ustum occurs 
as a white powder, obtained by the calcination of the horn. 

Prop. <& Comp. Hartshorn yields about 27 per cent, of gelatin, 
and 75*5 of phosphate of lime. By destructive distillation, the 
shavings yield an impure solution of carbonate of ammonia, form- 
erly known as spirits of hartshorn. Phosphate of lime as prepared 
from the horn occurs in the form of a whitish powder ; it consists 
of phosphate of lime (3 Ca 0, P0 5 ), but often contains some lime 
not in the state of phosphate ; this phosphate is identical with 
bone-earth. 

Therapeutics. The gelatine flavoured to suit the taste may be 
used as an article of diet. Cornu ustum has been recommended 
in rickets and mollitus ossium. 

Saccharum Lactis. Sugar of Milk. Crystallized sugar, obtained 
from the whey of cow's milk by evaporation. 

Prep. The milk is coagulated, the curd separated, and after 
the whey has been evaporated to the crystallizing point, pieces 
of wood or cord are introduced, upon which the milk sugar crys- 
tallizes. 

Prop. & Comp. Milk sugar occurs in cylindrical masses, 
about 2 inches in diameter and several inches in length, having 
an axis of cord or wood : the masses are composed of crystals, 
grayish white, translucent and hard ; without odour, and with a 
slightly sweet taste ; it is gritty in the mouth from the slight solu- 
bility of the sugar in the saliva. Milk sugar consists of a crystal- 
line principle, termed Lactin or Lactose, which has the composi- 
tion (C 24 H 24 2i ) ; or it may be represented by the formula (C 24 
H 19 19 + 5 HO), the water in the compound being capable of 
replacement by oxide of lead. Lactose can be obtained in 4-sided 
prisms, terminated by 4-sided pyramids ; it is soluble in about 6 
times its weight of water, the solution is much less sweet than 
that of cane sugar ; it is not soluble in alcohol or ether. It is not 
subject to alcoholic fermentation, but milk is so from the prior 
slow conversion of the lactose into glucose. When milk ferments 
in contact with chalk, lactic acid is formed. 

Therapeutics. It may be employed for the purpose of rub- 
bing up powerful medicinal powders, as white bismuth, calomel, 
25 



370 MATERIA MEDICA. 

hydrochlorate of morphia, &c. Its action as a remedy is not 
readily appreciable. Probably milk sugar might be advantage- 
ously employed as a substitute for cane sugar in the diet of in- 
fants. Cow's milk diluted with water, with the addition of milk 
sugar, forms a good substitute for the milk of the human female. 

Dose. Ad libitum. 

Fel Bovinum Purificatum. Purified Ox Bile. [Not officinal 
in IT. S. P.] The fresh bile of Bos Taurus, The Ox, purified. 

Prep. Ox gall is placed in Appendix A., and from it the 
purified bile is ordered to be made, by mixing the fresh gall with 
twice its volume of rectified spirit, and after twelve hours, when 
the sediment has subsided, evaporating the decanted liquid over a 
water bath until it has acquired the consistence of a vegetable 
extract. By this process the mucus which is always present in 
bile is separated by the action of the spirit, and the preparation 
is thus rendered much less prone to putrefaction. 

Prop. & Comp. Purified bile occurs as a yellowish green sub- 
stance, somewhat firm and adhesive, having a faint and peculiar 
odour, and a taste at first very sweet, but soon becoming intensely 
bitter ; it is soluble both in water and spirit. Bile, when sepa- 
rated from the mucus of the gall bladder, consists of two distinct 
portions, the true biliary substance and the colouring and fatty 
matters. The former, a species of soap, is of a pale yellow colour, 
and is composed of two salts, glyco-cholate and tauro-cholate of 
soda. Glyco-cholic acid (HO, C 52 H 42 NO u ), when pure, can be 
crystallized in white acicular needles, as likewise can some of its 
salts. Tauro-cholic acid (HO, C i2 H 44 N0 13 S 2 ), the least abund- 
ant acid in ox bile, has not yet been obtained in a crystallized 
state. 

The green colouring matter somewhat resembles the chloro- 
phylle of plants. The peculiar fat of bile is cholesterine (C 52 H 44 
2 ) which readily crystallizes and forms the chief constituent of 
gall stones. 

When bile has been purified by the above-mentioned process, 
its watery solution is not precipitated on the addition of rectified 
spirit. A grain or two of bile in 1 fl. drm of water, when 
treated with a drop of fresh syrup, and then a little sulphuric 



PEPSINA. 371 

acid, cautiously added, exhibits a play of colours from red to 
violet. 

Therapeutics. Dried bile appears to act as a slight laxative on 
the alimentary canal when given in the ordinary medicinal doses ; 
its use is supposed to be indicated in cases attended with deficient 
excretion of biliary matter, as shown by the pale colour of the 
alvine evacuations. It has also been said to be useful as a sto- 
machic in some forms of functional dyspepsia, especially in cases 
where vomiting occurs after food. More clinical knowledge of 
its efficacy as a remedy is required before its value can be said 
to be fairly established. 

Dose. Of purified bile, 5 gr. to 10 gr., or more, formed into 
pills, or given in small gelatinous capsules. When the object is 
to affect the intestines rather than the stomach, the latter mode is 
preferable. 

Pepsina. Pepsin. (Not officinal.) The digestive principle ob- 
tained from the mucous membrane of the stomach of the Calf 
or Pig. 

Prep. One process of preparing pepsin is to wash the stomach, 
scrape off the mucous membrane, and digest it in distilled water ; 
filter and add acetate of lead, which throws down a precipitate of 
pepsin with the metal. This precipitate is afterwards submitted 
to the action of sulphuretted hydrogen, which combines with the 
lead and leaves the pepsin in solution. After acidification with 
lactic acid, the solution is evaporated until a gummy mass is left, 
which is then mixed with dry starch. The pepsin from the pig's 
stomach, first proposed by Dr. Beale, is made by Mr. Bullock with- 
out the employment of the lead process. 

Description. The pepsin prepared from the calf's stomach and 
mixed with starch (Boudault), occurs in a grayish-white powder, 
having an acid and often disagreeable odour. Pepsina porci 
(Bullock) is somewhat more coloured, free from acid, and with an 
odour closely resembling baked flour. 

Prop. & Comp. Pepsin (independently of contained starch) 
is soluble in water ; the solution is precipitated by salts of lead 
and mercury, likewise by tannic acid and alcohol. A solution of 
pepsin in water, when acidulated with lactic, phosphoric, or hy- 
drochloric acids, has the power of causing the solution of fibrin or 



372 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

albumen when kept at the temperature of the body (100° Fah.) ; 
and the amount of fibrin or albumen dissolved by a given weight of 
the pepsin may be taken as an indication of the value of the med- 
icine. A temperature above 120° Fah. injures or destroys the 
solvent powers of pepsin. 

Pepsin is a protein body, but little else is known as to its com- 
position ; it appears to possess what are termed catalytic powers. 

Therapeutics. Pepsin has been given largely in cases of dys- 
pepsia, especially of the atonic kind, and is asserted to have proved 
a very valuable remedy. Its beneficial action is somewhat diffi- 
cult to explain, seeing that the ordinary doses of the drug are 
able to cause the solution of so small an amount of nitrogenized 
matters when out of the body, fifteen grains of Boudault's pepsin 
dissolving but sixty grains of dried fibrin. 

Dose. Of pepsin (Boudault), about 15 gr. to 20 gr., given with 
a meal ; of pepsina porci, 2 gr. to 4 gr. 

It is stated that the latter pepsin is five times stronger than the 
former. 

PACHYDEKMATA. 

Adeps Praeparatus. [Adeps. IT. S.] Prepared Lard. The 
prepared internal fat of the abdomen of Sus scrofa, The Hog. 
Hog's Lard. 

Description. Lard is too familiar to need much description. 
It is a soft, white, fatty substance, melting at about 100°. 

Prop. & Comp. Consistence soft, fuses between 80° and 90° ; 
it consists of a large quantity of oleine (60 per cent.), with some 
margarine and stearine : these substances, with the exception of 
margarine, have been before described. Margarine (C 108 H 104 12 ) 
may be broken up into margaric acid (HO, C 94 H 23 3 ) and glyce- 
rine (C 6 H 8 0£); it is more soluble in cold ether than stearine. 
Properly prepared lard has no rancic odour, and dissolves entirely 
in ether. Distilled water in which it has been boiled, when cooled 
and filtered, gives no precipitate with nitrate of silver, showing 
the absence of common salt. 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Simplex. Simple Ointment. (White 
wax, two ounces ; prepared lard, three ounces ; almond oil, three 
fluid ounces.) 



OYI VITELLUS. 373 

Lard is also used in the preparation of other ointments. 
Therapeutics. Lard is emollient, and is sometimes added to 
poultices to prevent their getting dry and hard. 

CETACEJE. 

Cetaceum. Spermaceti. A concretion prepared from the oily 
matter of the head of Physeter macrocephalus, or Sperm 
Whale ; inhabiting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

Description. A semi-concrete oily substance, which is contained 
in numerous cells situated in the large cavity of the upper jaw of 
the sperm whale. The oily matter, on standing, separates into 
an oil, and a peculiar substance, capable of crystallization, sperma- 
ceti. The oil is poured off, and the spermaceti collected. 

Spermaceti occurs in white crystalline cakes, slightly unctuous ; 
it fuses at 112° Fah., and when quite free from oil has been named 
Cetin. It has little odour or taste, can be reduced to powder by 
the addition of a little rectified spirit ; is scarcely unctuous to the 
touch ; should not melt under 100°. It is combustible, soluble in 
the fixed oils, and in boiling ether or alcohol. By the action of 
an alkali it is broken up into an acid, the Ethalic or Cetylic, and 
a substance somewhat analogous to glycerin, called Ethal or Cety. 
lie alcohol (C 32 H 34 4 ). Ethalic acid is isomeric with palmitic 
(C 32 H 32 Q 4 ). Spermaceti or cetin may be regarded as a palmitate 
or cetylate of the oxide of cetyl (C 32 H 33 0, C 32 H 31 3 )= C 64 H 64 4 )- 

Off. Prep. Unguentum Cetacei. Ointment of Spermaceti. 
(Spermaceti, five ounces ; white wax, two ounces ; almond oil, 
twenty fluid ounces, or a sufficiency.) 

Therapeutics. Emollient ; formerly given internally, but now 
chiefly used externally as an emollient application. 

CLASS, AYES. 

Ovi Albumen. White of Egg. Appendix A. The liquid albu- 
men of the egg of Gallus Bankiva (var. domesticus.) 

Ovi Vitellus. The yolk of the Egg. (Not now officinal.) 

[Ovum. Egg. The egg of Phasianus Gallus. U. SJ 
Description. The albumen, or white of the egg, is a trans- 



374 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

parent, viscid, glairy liquid, miscible with water, coagulated by a 
heat of 160° Fah., and then becoming opaque, and of a milk-white 
colour, insoluble in water ; by careful drying, at a moderate tem- 
perature, it may be solidified, retaining its transparency. It is 
coagulated by ether, in which respect it differs from the albumen 
of blood ; coagulated also by corrosive sublimate. 

The yolk of the egg is of a yellow colour, coagulated by heat ; 
it yields a fixed oil by expression. It contains a peculiar albumi- 
nous principle, named vitellin, oleine, margarine, cholesterine, to- 
gether with salts of lime, iron, &c, &c. 

Prep. Used in making mistura spiritus vini gallici. Lond. 
Ph., 1851. (See Spiritus Vini Gallici.) 

Therapeutics. The albumen is recommended as an antidote in 
cases of poisoning by corrosive sublimate and sulphate of copper. 
The yolk is a mild, nutritious article of diet, and used in the form 
of mistura spiritus vini gallici, or egg flip, forms a useful and nutri- 
tious mixture, much employed in exhausted conditions of the sys- 
tem, where solid food cannot be taken. It is much used in the 
formation of emulsions. An astringent application is made by 
dissolving alum in albumen ; the latter is coagulated, and in this 
form is applied locally. 

CLASS, PISCES. 

Isinglass. [Ichthyocolla. Isinglass. IT. S.] Appendix B. The 
swimming bladder or sound of various species of Acipenser, 
prepared and cut into fine shreds. 

Description. Isinglass is the dried swimming bladder of the 
sturgeon, but many fish yield a similar substance. 

Prop, dt Comp. Isinglass consists of a gelatinous tissue, 
which, by boiling, yields gelatine, a substance which is soluble 
in hot water, and forms a jelly on cooling : it is precipitated by 
tannic, but not by gallic acid. The combination of gelatine 
with tannin forms the basis of leather, called often tanno- 
gelatine. 

Off. Prep. Solution of Gelatine. ['Not officinal in U. S. P.] 
(Isinglass, in shreds, fifty grains ; warm distilled water, one fluid 
ounce. Mix and digest for half an hour on a water bath, with 



OLEUM MOKKHUjE. 375 

repeated shaking, and filter through clean tow, moistened with 
distilled water.) 

Use. The solution of gelatine is introduced into the appen- 
dix of the Pharmacopoeia for separating tannin from gallic acid. 

Oleum Morrhuae. Cod-Liver Oil. The oil extracted from the 
fresh liver of Gadus Morrhua by a steam heat not exceeding 
180°. [The fixed oil obtained from the liver of Gadus Morrhua 
and other species of Gadus. U. S.] 

Description. The liver of the common cod-fish and other species 
of gadus, frequenting the seas of northern Europe and America, 
yields the cod-liver oil of commerce. 

The most important species of the oil yielding fish, in a medi- 
cal point of view, have been thus classified : — 

Gadus morrhua, or Asellus major, the common Cod-fish ; found 
in large quantities on the coasts of England, France, Iceland, and 
Norway, but especially off Newfoundland. 

Gadus callarias, or Asellus striatus, the Dorse ; found largely 
on the Norwegian coast, and principally near the Lofoden 
Islands. 

Gadus molva. or Asellus longus, the Ling ; found also on the 
coast of Norway, though less abundantly than the above two 
species. Plentiful near England. ' 

Gadus carbonarius, or Asellus niger, the Coal-fish ; inhabiting 
the same localities as the last. 

Gadus pollachius, or the Pollack ; found in Norway, especially 
near Tromsoe. 

Gadus merlangus, or Asellus albus, the Whiting ; inhabiting the 
coasts of France. Besides many other species of less importance. 

The oil may be extracted from the livers by three different 
methods : — by exposing them to the sun to undergo a process of 
fermentation ; by boiling them in water for some time ; or by di- 
viding the livers, and permitting the oil slowly to drain from them. 

1. The oil is sometimes obtained by packing the livers in tall 
vats, furnished with three taps placed at different heights, and 
then exposed to the sun, to favour the separation of the oil. On 
opening the upper tap a pale oil is obtained ; from the middle one 
a light brown oil ; and a darker brown, yet transparent, oil from 



376 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

the inferior. The remaining mass of livers yields, by pressure 
and heat, a very dark and thick product, not fit for medicinal use, 
but employed by curriers, &c. 

2. The second method of preparing the oil is by boiling the 
livers in water, and afterwards separating the oil from the surface, 
and filtering from any albumen or cellular tissue mixed with it. 

3. The following is the method now employed in the preparation 
of the best English cod-liver oil at Messrs. Bell and Co.'s estab- 
lishment. The livers are collected daily, so that no trace of decom- 
position may have occurred, carefully examined, in order to remove 
all traces of blood and impurity, and to separate any inferior 
livers ; they are then sliced, and exposed to a temperature not 
exceeding 180° Fah., till all the oil has drained from them. This 
is filtered ; afterwards exposed to a temperature of about 50° Fah., 
in order to congeal much of the solid fat (margarine), and again 
filtered and put into bottles well secured from the action of the 
air. 

Three chief varieties of cod-liver oil occur in commerce, dis- 
tinguished by their colour : the pale is that rendered officinal, 
prepared in England or elsewhere ; besides which there are the 
light brown and the dark brown oil, from Norway, &c. 

The difference in colour in the different oils depends upon the 
circumstances attending their preparation, as the amount of heat 
employed, the state of freshness or putridity of the livers, the 
quantity of decomposed matter present in the oil, and the length 
of exposure to the atmosphere, &c. 

Prop. <& Oomp. The pale oil is almost colourless when first 
prepared, with a slight fishy but not disagreeable odour, sp. gr. 
from *917 to *920, with a bland fish-like taste. The composition 
of the three varieties is essentially the same, but the darker con- 
tains more empyreumatic matter, and is much less agreeable to the 
taste. Cod-liver oil contains olcine, margarine, various biliary 
principles, as the organic acids and colouring matter of bile ; also 
phosphoric and sulphuric acid, with salts of lime, magnesia, and 
iron ; a peculiar substance, gaduin (C 35 23 H 9 ), very insoluble in 
ordinary menstrua, but soluble in sulphuric acid, and giving a 
blood red colour to the solution ; also iodine and bromine. The 
oleine and margarine of this oil are said by some to differ from 



OLEUM MOKKHTJ^E. 377 

that usually met with, inasmuch as no glycerine can be obtained 
by their saponification, but they yield instead a peculiar body* 
called propyline, or oxide of propyl. The proportion of iodine is 
not more than *05 per cent. When pure cod-liver oil, spread in a 
thin layer on a plate, has a drop of oil of vitriol added to it, a 
beautiful lake or crimson colour is produced, rising from the point 
of contact of the oil and acid, and rapidly spreading over the sur- 
face. This is probably due to the action of the acid on the biliary 
principles present in the oil. 

Therapeutics. Cod-liver oil is a remedy which, at the present 
time, stands in very high estimation, nor does it appear probable 
that its repute will be ephemeral in character ; how it acts is yet 
undetermined. When taken for a time by patients who have be- 
come emaciated from any cause, and whose blood is impoverished, 
it frequently restores the flesh ; and, from Dr. Theophilus Thom- 
son's statements, it appears also to improve the richness of the 
blood. Under its influence, patients often gain an almost incredi- 
ble increase of weight, exceeding many times the amount of the 
oil which has been taken during the period. The oil also seems to 
possess the power of arresting the progress of certain morbid ac- 
tions, such as occur in phthisis and scrofula, and in the low form 
of rheumatic and other inflammations ; in fact, many anomalous 
diseased conditions become ameliorated under its influence. It 
has been supposed that the iodine and bromine contained in it 
might produce the beneficial results, but the idea is not tenable, 
for the effects of these remedies are very different in character ; it 
would seem probable that it acts simply as an oil, and that it is 
superior to other oils on account of its being more readily assimi- 
lated. If the statement of Winkler prove correct — namely, that 
the oleine differs from ordinary oleine in not yielding glycerine — 
this may in part explain its value. It very seldom happens that 
patients cannot take the remedy, even when ordinary fatty sub- 
stances disagree with their stomachs ; it very rarely purges, except 
in cases where ulceration of the intestines is present. Cod-liver 
oil is employed extensively in the treatment of the different stages 
of phthisis, and various forms of scrofula : in chronic rheumatism 
and neuralgia ; in chronic skin affections, and many other diseases 
of a low type and accompanied by a cachectic condition of habit. 
It has been applied externally in some skin affections, and occa- 



378 



MATEEIA MEDIOA. 



sionally with the idea of producing by this means its constitutional 
effects. 

Dose. From 1 fl. dim to \ fl. oz. ; taken on the top of water, 
milk, orange, wine, ale, or porter. Some patients prefer it at the 
time of a meal, or immediately after food. 

Adulteration. Many oils may be mixed with cod-liver oil. The 
addition of the liver oil from other fish is not, perhaps, very im- 
portant in a therapeutic point of view, and would be difficult or 
impossible to detect, as all give the test with sulphuric acid. 
When other oils, not of hepatic origin, are present, the sulphuric 
acid test is valuable, for the impure specimen either does not give 
the beautiful lake colour, or this becomes immediately mixed with, 
and obscured by, a dark brown substance, from the charring of the 
oil : such is the case with whale or seal oil ; also with olive and 
other vegetable oils. 

CLASS, INSECTA. 

HYMENOPTEXtA. 

Mel. Honey. A saccharine secretion deposited in the honeycomb 
by the Apis mellifica. British and imported. 

Description. It is a viscid fluid of a slight yellow colour ; the 
purest is obtained by allowing the honey to flow from the comb ; 
it has a peculiar heavy odour and very sweet taste. 

Prop. <& Comjp. It consists chiefly of grape sugar, formula 
(C 12 H 14 14 ). The sp. gr. is 1*34 : it has an aromatic odour de- 
pendent in part on the flowers from which it is obtained. It is 
often adulterated with starch, and this adulteration is recognised 
by making a solution in hot water, and adding iodide of potassium 
with nitric acid ; if no starch be present, no blue colour is pro- 
duced. 

Off. Prep. Mel Depuratum. [Mel Despumatum. U. S.] Clari- 
fied Honey. (Prepared by melting the honey in a water bath, and 
straining while hot, through flannel previously moistened with 
warm water.) 

Oxymel. Oxymel. (Clarified honey, forty ounces ; acetic acid, 
five fluid ounces ; distilled water, five fluid ounces.) 

Clarified honey is also used in the preparation of Mel Boracis, 



CEEA FLAYA. 379 

Confectio Piperis, Confectio Scammonii, and Confectio Terebin- 
thinae. 

Therapeutics. The action is much the same as sugar, but more 
laxative ; it is generally used as a vehicle for other medicines. 

Dose. Of honey, ad libitum ; of oxymel, 1 fl. drm. to J fl. oz. 

Cera Alba. White Wax. Yellow wax bleached by exposure to 
moisture and light. 

Cera Flava. Yellow Wax. The prepared Honey-comb of Apis 
mellifica, The Hive Bee. British and imported. 

Description. When the honey has been separated from the 
comb, the remaining portion melted constitutes yellow wax. This 
when bleached forms white wax. The yellow occurs in large 
irregular masses, firm, breaking with a granular fracture, with an 
agreeable honey-like odour ; the white, in thin cakes, hard, white, 
and odourless. Neither yellow nor white wax is unctuous to the 
touch. 

Prop. <& Comp. Yellow wax does not melt under 140°, yields 
nothing to cold rectified spirit, but is entirely soluble in oil of tur- 
pentine ; the white wax does not melt under 150°. Boiling water 
in which wax has been agitated, when cooled is not rendered blue 
by iodine. 

Wax is separable by means of alcohol into three portions : my- 
ricine, almost insoluble in boiling alcohol ; cerine, called also 
cerotic acid, soluble in boiling alcohol, but deposited when the 
liquid becomes cold ; and ceroleine, which remains in solution in 
cold alcohol. These substances exist in different proportions in 
different specimens of wax. Myricine, by the action of potash, 
may be converted into palmitic acid, and a neutral substance, me- 
lissine ; this substance, by oxidation, yields an acid, the melissic, 
which bears the same relation to melissine that acetic acid does to 
alcohol. In some varieties of wax a substance, cerotine, exists, 
which stands in the same position with regard to cerotic acid as 
melissine does to melissic acid. 

Of. Prej). — Of White Wax. Unguentum Simplex. Simple 
Ointment. (White wax, two ounces ; prepared lard, three ounces ; 
almond oil, three fluid ounces.) [Ceratum Adipis. Cerate of 
Lard. Ceratum simplex. Pharm. 1850. Lard, eight ounces j white 
wax, four troy ounces. U. S.] 



380 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 

Yellow wax is contained in Unguentum Cantharidis, Unguen- 
tum Pesinae, Unguentum Terebinth in 3d, and in some of the plasters, 
and white wax in Unguentum Plumbi Acetatis and Unguentum 
Sabinse. 

Therapeutics. Demulcent, chiefly used in the preparations above- 
mentioned, to give them consistence. 

HEMIPTEHA. 

Coccus. Cochineal. Coccus Cacti. The female Cochineal insect 
dried ; reared in Mexico and Teneriffe. 

Description. Of an oval form, convex on one side, flat and 
slightly concave on the other, about two lines long, wrinkled. 
One variety is of a reddish-gray colour, due to the presence of 
a white powder upon the red surface ; this powder when exa- 
mined by the microscope, has the appearance of fine wool ; the 
other, nearly black, and having but little of the white powder* 
The female insects are alone preserved ; they are procured by 
brushing them off into bags, and killing them by immersion in 
hot water. The difference in the two varieties, the silver and the 
black grains, consists in this : the silver is made up of the impreg- 
nated female just before she has hatched her eggs ; the black, of 
the insect after the eggs have been laid and hatched. Cochineal 
yields when crushed a puce-coloured powder. The gray insect 
becomes black when warmed before the fire. 

Prop. & Comp. Cochineal consists of fatty matters, salts, &c, 
and a peculiar colouring matter called carmine : it occurs in the 
form of small grains of a purple-red colour, soluble in water and 
alcohol. Acids increase the red colour, while alkalies render it 
violet. The colouring matter of carmine has been found to have 
acid properties, and has been called Carminic acid (C 28 H 14 16 ). 

Off. Prep. Tinctura Cocci. Tincture of Cochineal. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Cochineal, in powder, two ounces and a 
half ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) 

Therapeutics. Chiefly used as a colouring matter, much em- 
ployed in the arts as a dye ; it was formerly much esteemed in 
the treatment of pertussis. 

Dose. Of the tincture, 30 min. to 1-J- fl. drm. 



CANTHARIS. 381 

Adulteration. Inferior cochineal is sometimes covered with 
some white powder, as talc, sulphate of baryta, or carbonate of 
lead, to give it the appearance of the finer variety ; also with 
bone black, to give it the black colour. 

COLEOPTEEA. 

Cantharis. Cantharides. Cantharis vesicatoria, Lytta vesicatoria ; 
the Blister Beetle, or Spanish Fly ; collected in Russia, Sicily, 
and Hungary. 

Description. The insect is from 8 to 10 lines long ; the elytra 
or wing-sheaths are long, of a fine green colour, and encase two 
thin brownish membranous wings. The flies swarm upon the 
trees about May or June, especially on the ash, lilac, and privet ; 
and are brushed off by persons carefully masked, and received 
into linen cloths ; they are killed by plunging into boiling vinegar, 
and then dried. 

Prop. & Comp.. The beetles have a peculiar urinous disagree- 
able odour, and a burning taste ; the powder is a grayish brown, 
containing shining green particles ; it should be free from mites. 
In addition to oily and fatty matters, the beetles contain a crystal- 
lizable principle, Oantharidine, to which their active properties 
are due. Oantharidine is insoluble in water, nearly so in cold 
alcohol, but more soluble in ether, chloroform, and strong acetic 
acid ; as the active properties of the insect are partially yielded 
to warm and cold alcohol, it would appear that the cantharidine 
exists in the beetle as a somewhat soluble compound. From 
1,000 parts of the flies, about four parts of pure cantharidine 
have been procured ; catharidine has the formula (C 10 H 6 4 ) ; it 
may be sublimed without injury ; it has very powerful vesicating 
properties. 

Of. Prep. Emplasteum Canthaeidis. Cantharides Plaster. 
(Cantharides, in very fine powder, twelve ounces ; yellow wax, 
seven ounces and a half ; prepared suet, seven ounces and a half ; 
resin, three ounces ; prepared lard, six ounces.) 

Emplasteum Calefaciens. Warm Plaster. (Cantharides in 
coarse powder, four ounces ; boiling water, twenty fluid ounces ; 
expressed oil of nutmeg, four ounces ; yellow wax, four ounces ; 
resin, four ounces ; soap plaster, three pounds and a quarter ; 
resin plaster, two pounds.) 



382 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Linimentum Cantharidis. Cantharides, in powder, eight 
ounces ; acetic acid, four fluid ounces ; ether, twenty fluid ounces. 
Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Cantharides, in fine 
powder, a troy ounce ; oil of turpentine, half a pint. Prepared 
by maceration and percolation. U. S.] 

[Ceratum Cantharidis. Cerate of Cantharides. Blistering 
Cerate. Cantharides, in very fine powder, twelve troy ounces ; 
yellow wax, resin, each, seven troy ounces ; lard, ten troy 
ounces. U. S.] 

Tinctura Cantharidis. Tincture of Cantharides. (Cantha- 
rides, in coarse powder, a quarter of an ounce ; proof spirit, 
twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 
[Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolating a troy ounce 
of cantharides in fine powder with diluted alcohol. U. S.] 

Unguentum Cantharidis. Ointment of Cantharides. [Not 
officinal in U. S. P.] (Cantharides one ounce ; yellow wax, one 
ounce ; olive oil, six fluid ounces.) 

Acetum Cantharidis. Vinegar of Cantharides. London Ph., 
1851. (Spanish flies, reduced to the finest powder, two ounces ; 
acetic acid, one pint. Macerate for eight days with the acid, fre- 
quently shaking them ; then press and strain.) 

Therapeutics. Cantharides, when applied externally, produce 
at first rubefacient and irritant effects, followed, if the prepara- 
tion is strong, or long continued, by vesication ; not unfrequently 
the active principle becomes absorbed, and the symptoms resulting 
from its internal administration then ensue. When taken inter- 
nally in medicinal doses, the first indication is generally some 
diuresis, with a slight sensation referred to the neck of the bladder ; 
and if the urine be then examined, it usually gives an indication 
of a trace of albumen ; sometimes also a few blood disks are dis- 
covered by the microscope : when continued beyond this, stran- 
gury and bloody urine are produced, with priapism, sometimes 
aphrodisiac effects, and diminution or suppression of urine and its 
sequences, convulsions and death ; the spinal cord is supposed to 
be influenced by cantharides. 

Externally the Spanish fly is often used as a rubefacient in the 
form of a liniment, made with the tincture or acetum canthari- 
dis, in cases where rubefacients in general are indicated ; it has 



CANTH ABIDES. 383 

the advantage of acting slowly and for a longer period, and 
being less irritating to the patient, than strong ammoniacal or 
acetic acid embrocations : as a vesicant, its employment is very 
general, more so than that of any other agent ; it forms the basis 
of the common blister, or emplastrum cantharidis, of liniment of 
cantharides, and of other non-officinal blistering applications, as 
the vinegar of cantharides, &c. ; the ointment is used to keep 
open blistered surfaces. These applications are useful over in- 
flamed deep-seated parts, as in pleuritis, pericarditis, pneumonia, 
and other internal inflammations, after the more active febrile 
symptoms have been subdued by depletion and antiphlogistic 
remedies ; and to diseased and painful joints. Vesication is also 
made use of on account of its revulsive action in internal conges- 
tions, as of the head, &c. ; and over painful parts unattended with 
inflammatory action, as in various neuralgic affections ; and lastly, 
in diseased conditions of the skin itself. 

Internally the tincture of cantharides is given in chronic affec- 
tions of the nervous system, especially of the spinal cord, as in 
chronic forms of paraplegia and in incontinence of the urine ^from 
want of tone in the bladder ; occasionally it has been found useful 
in some non-inflammatory forms of albuminura, and in hydroce- 
phalus ; also in skin affections, especially in those of a squamous 
character ; probably its diuretic action may be the cause of its 
value in the latter class of diseases. Sometimes it has been given 
in gleet and other mucous discharges. 

Precautions to he used in the application and administration of 

Cantharides. 

When the kidneys are acutely affected, the use of the Spanish 
fly, externally or internally, should be avoided, as the canthari- 
dine is apt to become absorbed ; in young or very debilitated 
subjects vesication by this agent should be cautiously produced, 
as sloughing may ensue and prove troublesome and even dange- 
rous : placing a piece of tissue-paper over the surface and remov- 
ing the blistering application before vesication has been fully in- 
duced, and the subsequent application of a poultice will often 
prevent the occurrence of strangury, and, at the same time, too 
great injury to the skin ; vesication will generally ensue after the 



384 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

poultice Las been applied. Many substitutes for the ordinary 
blistering plaster have been proposed, such as the tela vesicatoria 
and blistering papers made by mixing an etherial or oily solution 
of cantharides with wax and fatty matters, and spreading the 
compound thinly on cloth or tissue-paper ; also blistering liquids 
prepared by dissolving caniharidine in acetic acid and ether, or 
chloroform : the liniment of the Pharmacopoeia, which the author 
has extensively employed, vesicates with much certainty ; it 
should, however, be used somewhat cautiously. These liquid ap- 
plications are more efficient than the acetum cantharidis, as blis- 
tering agents, but the latter may be used as a rubefacient. 

Dose. Of tinctura cantharidis, 5 min. to 30 min. 

Adulteration. A beetle called the golden beetle has been found 
mixed with cantharides, and occasionally artificial glass tubes or 
beads coloured to imitate the Spanish fly have been added to in- 
crease the weight. It has been also asserted that flies deprived 
of their virtues by ether have been sold as genuine, and that 
euphorbium resin has been employed as an adulteration to pow- 
dered cantharides. 

Several other coleopterous insects, as Mylabris chicorii, &c, 
possess vesicating powers, and have been used in other countries 
as blistering agents. 

CLASS, ANNELIDA. 

Hirudo. The Leech. Sanguisuga officinalis, the Speckled Leech ; 
and Sanguisuga medicinalis, the Green Leech. Imported chiefly 
from Hamburg. 

Description. Leeches have an elongated body, 2 or 3 inches 
long, tapering to each end, plano-convex, wrinkled transversely ; 
of an olive-green colour on the back ; made up of from 70 to 90 
soft rings, with a muscular disc at both extremities, the hinder one 
the largest ; the mouth, which is in the anterior disc, is tri-radiate, 
and contains three jaws, each of which is furnished with two rows 
of teeth ; the intestinal canal is straight. 

The Sanguisuga medicinalis is distinguished by the olive-green 
colour of the belly, which is unspotted ; in the Sanguisuga offici- 
nalis the belly is of a yellowish-green colour, spotted with black. 



SPONGIA USTA. 385 

Both are marked with six rusty-coloured longitudinal stripes ; in 
the latter variety these also are spotted with black. 

Therapeutics. Leeches are employed for the local abstraction 
of blood from those parts where cupping is not deemed advisable. 
The quantity of blood drawn by a leech is about one fluid drachm 
and a half, though by fomentation of the part perhaps half a fluid 
ounce may be obtained. 

Bleeding from leech-bites may be stopped by pressure, by matico, 
by the application of collodion or of caustic ; sometimes they re- 
quire a suture. 

CLASS, PORIFERA. 
Spongia Usta. Burnt Sponge. (Not officinal.) 

Sponges, of which there are very many varieties, inhabit the 
bottom of the sea, where they are fixed to rocks. The best are 
obtained from the Mediterranean and R,ed Seas, inferior qualities 
from the West Indies. 

Description. Sponge is prepared for use by steeping it for some 
days in cold water, the concretions which it contains being sepa- 
rated by occasional beatings. It is afterwards washed in water 
acidulated with hydrochloric acid, by which the remainder of the 
earthy particles are removed : in addition, it is often bleached 
with sulphurous acid. The general appearance of the sponge is 
too well known to need description. When burnt, sponge yields 
the article, formerly officinal, termed spongia usta, which occurs as 
a blackish-brown powder. 

Prop. <& Comp. Sponge consists of gelatinous matter, and 
various salts of lime, potash, magnesia, &c. Burnt sponge contains 
a large amount of carbon, mixed with carbonate and sulphate of 
lime, chloride of sodium and iron ; also from 1 to 2 per cent, of 
iodide of potassium, with some bromide. It is upon the presence 
of these latter constituents that its medicinal properties depend. 

Therapeutics. Spongia usta, or burnt sponge, has been much 
recommended in goitre and strumous glandular swellings, in which 
cases it is still sometimes given. In addition to its use for domes- 
tic purposes, sponge is sometimes used in the form of a tent. 

Dose. Of burnt sponge, 30 gr. to 100 gr. or more, made into 
an electuary, sometimes given in lozenges. 
26 



386 MATEEIA MEDIC A. 



TEST-SOLUTIONS 

FOR QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSES OF SUBSTANCES 
CONTAINED IN THE PHARMACOPOEIA ; 

WITH AN EXPLANATION OF THEIR MORE IMPORTANT APPLICATIONS. 



SOLUTION OF ACETATE OF COPPER. 

Prep. By digesting half an ounce of subacetate of copper in 
fine powder with one fluid ounce of acetic acid diluted with half 
a fluid ounce of water, at a temperature not exceeding 212°, with 
repeated stirring, till a dry residue is obtained. Then dissolving 
this in sufficient water to make the solution measure five ounces. 
In this process the subacetate (2 CuO, C 4 H 3 3 ) is made to assume 
another equivalent of acetic acid, and is thus converted into the 
acetate (CuO, C 4 H 3 3 ). 

Use. It is used in the Pharmacopoeia for detecting the presence 
of butyric acid in valerianate of zinc, the valerianate being often 
adulterated with the butyrate, to which a few drops of oil of 
valerian are added to simulate the odour of valerian. The sus- 
pected salt is first distilled with sulphuric acid, and the solution 
of acetate of copper added to the distillate ; pure valerianic 
acid gives, under these circumstances, no precipitate, but if any 
butyric acid is present, a bluish- white precipitate of butyrate of 
copper is produced. The butyrate of copper is a sparingly solu- 
ble salt, and is represented by the formula (CuO, C 8 H 7 3 + 
2 HO). 

SOLUTION OF ACETATE OF POTASH. 

Prep. Made by dissolving half an ounce of acetate of potash 
(KO, C 4 H 3 3 ) in five fluid ounces of distilled water. 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 387 

Use. This solution is employed to distinguish between tartaric 
and citric acids. "When added to a solution of citric acid no pre- 
cipitate takes place, but with tartaric acid, the sparingly soluble 
bitartrate of potash is precipitated (HO, KO, C 8 H 4 O 10 ). 

SOLUTION OF ACETATE OF SODA. 

Prep. By dissolving half an ounce of acetate of soda (Na 0, 
C 4 H 3 O3 + 6HO), in five fluid ounces of distilled water. 

Use. It is directed to be added in excess to the solution of 
phosphate of lime in nitric acid, previous to the addition of oxalate 
of ammonia and perchloride of iron ; the nitric acid is thus neu- 
tralized, and the oxalate of lime and phosphate of iron are insolu- 
ble in the acetic acid, which is then set free. 

SOLUTION OF ALBUMEN. 

Prep. The white of one egg is well triturated in a mortar with 
four ounces of distilled water, and filtered through clean tow, pre- 
viously moistened with distilled water. 

Use. This is used for testing phosphoric acid. The phosphoric 

acid, which is the tribasic variety, is not precipitated by albumen, 

this test distinguishes it from the monobasic phosphoric acid ; 

both the monobasic and bibasic varieties give wMte precipitates 

with nitrate of silver, but the latter does not precipitate albumen, 

while the former does. Creosote also coagulates the solution of 

albumen, which property is given in the Pharmacopoeia as one of 

its characteristics. 

/ 
SOLUTION OF AMM0NI0-N1TRATE OF SILVER. 

Prep. One quarter of an ounce of nitrate of silver in crystals 
(Ag 0, N0 5 ), is dissolved in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, 
and half an ounce or a sufficiency of solution of ammonia added 
so as nearly to redissolve the precipitate which is at first formed. 
The ammonio-nitrate of silver is represented by the formula (Ag 
0,N0 5 +2NH 3 ). 

Use. This is directed to be used for testing arsenious acid and 
phosphoric acid, with the aqueous solutions of which it gives a 
yellow precipitate of arsenite and phosphate of silver, which are 
soluble in excess both of ammonia and nitric acid. 



388 MATEEIA MEDICA. 



SOLUTION OF AMMONIO-STJLPHATE OF COPPER. 

Prep. By dissolving half an ounce of crystallized sulphate of 
copper in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and adding solu- 
tion of ammonia to the solution until the precipitate formed at 
first is nearly dissolved, filtering and adding sufficient distilled 
water to the clear solution to make it measure ten fluid ounces. 

The ammonio-sulphate of copper is represented by the formula 
(CuO, S0 3 + 2NH 3 ,HO). 

Use. Ammonio-sulphate of copper may be employed in lieu of 
ammonio-nitrate of silver as a test for the presence of arsenious 
acid. It gives a green precipitate (Scheele's green) which is solu- 
ble in excess of ammonia. 

SOLUTION OF AMMONIO-SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA. 

Prep. By dissolving one ounce of sulphate of magnesia, and 
half an ounce of hydrochlorate of ammonia, in eight fluid ounces 
of distilled water, afterwards adding half a fluid ounce of solution 
of ammonia, and enough distilled water to make up the bulk to 
ten fluid ounces. 

The composition of the ammonio-sulphate of magnesia is repre- 
sented by the formula (Mg 0, S0 3 + NH 4 0, S0 3 + 6 HO). 

Use. The solution is used for testing phosphate of ammonia. 
When added to a solution of that salt, a crystalline precipitate of 
ammonio-magnesian phosphate is formed, this is also known as 
the triple phosphate, and has the composition (2 Mg 0, NH 4 0, 
P0 5 + 12 HO) ; it is but very sparingly soluble in pure water, and 
insoluble in water containing chloride of ammonium or ammonia, 
but readily soluble in acids. When dried and heated to redness, 
this salt yields 35*7 per cent, of magnesia, and 64*3 of phosphoric 
acid. According to the direction of the Pharmacopoeia, twenty 
grains of phosphate of ammonia when precipitated by this test- 
solution, and the precipitate washed with solution of ammonia 
diluted with an equal bulk of water, should, when dried and 
heated to redness, leave a residue of 11*44 grains. 

The solution is also made use of to determine the presence of 
phosphoric acid in the phosphate of iron. For this purpose the 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 389 

salt is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, tartaric acid and excess of 
ammonia added, and then the test-solution, when the ammonio- 
magnesian phosphate is precipitated. Ammonia would precipi- 
tate the iron if added alone, but with the tartaric acid a soluble 
compound, ammonio-tartrate of iron, is formed, and the iron is 
thus held in solution. 

SOLUTION OF BICHLORIDE OF PLATINUM. 

Prep. Directions for making this solution are given under 
Platinum, page 111. 

Use. This solution is used for testing the presence and absence 
of potash, in various substances ; it forms with potash a double 
chloride, K CI, Pt Cl 2 , very sparingly soluble in water, insoluble 
in ether and alcohol ; with soda, on the other hand, no precipitate 
is formed, and hence it is used to distinguish between the potash 
and soda compounds. With this view it is applied to test 
potash, sulphate of potash, bicarbonate and carbonate of potash, 
the chlorate, the citrate, the permanganate and the acid tartrate 
of potash, the bicarbonate and carbonate of soda, chloride of 
sodium, and liquor soda3 chloratge. 

The solution of bichloride of platinum is also used as a test for 
the presence of nicotine in the distillate obtained by distilling 
tobacco leaves with solution of potash. It forms with that sub- 
stance a yellow crystalline precipitate, a double chloride of pla- 
tinum and nicotine. 

SOLUTION OF BORACIC ACID. 

Prep. Made by dissolving fifty grains of boracic acid (B0 3 -f 
3 HO) in one fluid ounce of rectified spirit. 

Use. It is used in the Pharmacopoeia to test the presence of 
turmeric in rhubarb. Turmeric becomes of a red colour when 
treated with the solution of boracic acid, whereas the colouring 
matter of rhubarb is unaffected by this reagent. 

SOLUTION OF BROMINE. 

Prep. A solution of ten minims of bromine in five fluid ounces 
of distilled water. 



390 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

Use. This solution is employed in testing bromide of potassium, 
to determine whether any iodide be present. A few drops are 
added to a solution of the salt mixed with mucilage of starch : if 
any iodine be present in the bromide the blue iodide of starch is 
formed. 

SOLUTION OF CARBONATE OF AMMONIA. 

Prep. Made by dissolving half an ounce of carbonate of am- 
monia in eight fluid ounces of water, and subsequently adding suf- 
ficient water to make up the bulk of the solution to ten fluid 
ounces. 

Use. Used in testing the carbonate and oxide of zinc. These 
substances, dissolved in water by the aid of a little nitric acid, 
give a white precipitate (carbonate of zinc) with the solution of 
carbonate of ammonia, which is entirely soluble without colour in 
excess of the reagent. This test serves to distinguish zinc from 
alumina and the alkaline earths, including magnesia, &q. 

SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF BARIUM. 

Prep. An ounce of chloride of barium, in crystals, is dissolved 
first in eight fluid ounces of water, and sufficient water then 
added to make the solution measure ten fluid ounces. 

Use. Chloride of barium forms with sulphuric acid and the 
soluble sulphates a white precipitate of sulphate of baryta, a very 
insoluble compound, scarcely acted upon even by boiling nitric 
acid. The solution of chloride of barium is used as a test for 
sulphuric acid and the sulphates, and for this purpose is applied to 
nearly all the inorganic substances in the list of the Materia 
Medica, and also to some of the organic. 

SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF CALCIUM. 

Prep. One ounce of chloride of calcium is dissolved in eight 
fluid ounces of distilled water, and sufficient water is added to 
make the bulk of the solution ten fluid ounces. 

Use. This solution is used as a means of recognizing citric 
acid in citrate of potash. Citric acid forms with lime the citrate 
of lime, a salt which has the peculiarity of being soluble in cold 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 391 

water, but insoluble in hot, so that when the solution of cal- 
cium is added to the solution of citrate of potash, no precipitate 
occurs until the solution is boiled, when a white precipitate sepa- 
rates, which is readily soluble in , acetic acid. The production, 
with chloride of calcium, of a white precipitate of arseniate of 
lime (2 Ca 0, HO, As 5 ) soluble in nitric acid, is also given as 
one of the characteristic reactions of a solution of arseniate of 
soda. 

SATURATED SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF CALCIUM. 

Prep. Made by dissolving three hundred and thirty-six grains 
of chloride of calcium in one fluid ounce of distilled water. 

Use. This solution, like the chloride of calcium itself, has a 
very strong absorbing power for water. It is used in the Phar- 
macopoeia as a test for the purity of the spirits of nitrous ether. 
When one volume of the spirits of nitrous ether is agitated with 
two volumes of the solution of chloride of calcium, one and a half 
per cent, by volume of nitrous ether separates and rises to the 
surface. In this case the water, alcohol, &c, which are present 
are absorbed by the solution, and the pure ether separates. 

SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF TIN. 

Prep. By dissolving one ounce of granulated tin in three fluid 
ounces of hydrochloric acid, diluted with one fluid ounce of distil- 
led water, with a moderate heat, until gas ceases to be evolved, 
and subsequently adding sufficient distilled water to make up the 
bulk to five fluid ounces. The solution, together with the un- 
dissolved tin, should be transferred to a well stoppered bottle. 

Use. This is a solution of the protochloride of tin (Sn CI). 
Protochloride of tin absorbs oxygen- and chlorine very readily, and 
is a powerful deoxidizing agent. It reduces to the metallic state 
the salts of mercury, silver, gold, &c. ; and the solution is often 
made use of for precipitating mercury from its combinations. It 
is used in the Pharmacopoeia for this purpose. The ammoniated 
mercury boiled with the solution of chloride of tin becomes grey, 
and deposits globules of metallic mercury. 

SOLUTION OF CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE. 
* Prep. One hundred grains of corrosive sublimate are dissolved 



392 MATERIA MED1CA. 

in five fluid ounces of distilled water, and preserved in a bottle 
impervious to light. 

Use. This solution has the power of coagulating albumen, with 
which it forms a very insoluble compound ; and it yields with 
iodide of potassium a precipitate which is at first salmon-coloured, 
but soon changes into brilliant scarlet crystals, and may, therefore, 
be used as a test for iodide of potassium. 

SOLUTION OF FERROCYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. 

Prep. By dissolving a quarter of an ounce of ferrocyanide of 
potassium (crystals) in five fluid ounces of distilled water. 

Use. Ferrocyanide of potassium forms insoluble precipitates 
with many of the metals, and is used as a test for their presence ; 
the colour of the precipitate is sometimes sufficient to indicate the 
nature of the metal present in solution. Thus it gives a blue pre- 
cipitate with the persalts of iron, a reddish-brown one with those 
of copper, and a white or nearly white precipitate with protosalts 
of iron, manganese, zinc, tin, cadmium, lead, bismuth, antimony, 
mercury, and silver. 

SOLUTION OF FERRIDCYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. 

Prep. By dissolving a quarter of an ounce of ferridcyanide of 
potassium in five fluid ounces of water. 

Use. This solution is used as a test of the presence of the pro- 
toxide of iron, with which it forms a blue precipitate ; with a 
solution of the peroxide it gives no precipitate, and hence affords 
a means of distinguishing between the proto- and per-salts of this 

metal. 

SOLUTION OF GELATINE. 

Prep. Fifty grains of isinglass, cut into shreds, and one fluid 
ounce of distilled water, are mixed and digested for half. an hour 
with repeated shaking on a water bath, and the solution filtered 
through clean tow moistened with distilled water. 

Use. The solution is used to distinguish between gallic and 
tannic acid ; the former gives no precipitate with gelatine, while 
the latter gives a yellowish-white one ; it is also employed to 
detect tannic acid in a decoction of elm bark, with which it should 
afford a precipitate. 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 393 



SOLUTION OF HYDROCHLORATE OF AMMONIA. 

Prep. By dissolving one ounce of hydrochlorate of ammonia 
in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and afterwards making up 
the solution with distilled water to ten fluid ounces. 

Use. It is used as a test under the heads of Magnesia, Car- 
bonate and Sulphate of Magnesia, and Chloride of Iodium. 

The solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia with a little free 
ammonia is mixed with the solution of the substance to be tested, 
and phosphate of soda is afterwards added, when the magnesia 
present is precipitated in the form of the ammonio-magnesian 
phosphate. No precipitate of this salt will take place (except in 
a very concentrated solution of magnesia) unless hydrochlorate of 
ammonia be present. A solution of chloride of sodium when 
treated in a similar manner should give no precipitate, showing 
the absence of magnesia. The precipitates caused in a solution of 
magnesian salts by potash, soda, and ammonia, and by the carbo- 
nate of potash and soda, are all soluble in hydrochlorate of am- 
monia. 

SOLUTION OF HYDROSULPHURET OF AMMONIA. 

Prep. By passing a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen gas into 
one fluid ounce of solution of ammonia as long as the gas continues 
to be absorbed. 

Use. The solution of hydrosulphuret of ammonia is used to 
precipitate various metals from solution. It is employed to de- 
termine the presence of zinc in the salts of that metal ; it gives 
with them a white precipitate cf sulphide of zinc, which is very 
characteristic. Hydrosulphuret of ammonia gives rise to no pre- 
cipitate in neutral solutions containing arsenious and arsenic acid, 
but an orange-red precipitate with neutral solutions of antimony, 
soluble in excess of the reagent. 

Salts of mercury, silver, lead, copper, bismuth, tin, gold, and 
platinum, are precipitated as brown or black sulphides by the 
solution of hydrosulphuret of ammonia. The precipitates formed 
with the protoxide of tin, and the peroxides of gold and platinum, 
are soluble in excess of the reagent ; the sulphide of tin requires a 
large excess. 



394 MATEEIA MED1CA. 



SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN GAS. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, prepared by the action of sulphuric acid 
on sulphur et of iron, is also much used as a test for the metals. 
Sulphuretted hydrogen gives yellow precipitates in neutral solu- 
tions containing arsenious or arsenic acid, which are soluble in 
ammonia and hydrosulphuret of ammonia, but insoluble in excess 
of hydrochloric acid ; it also yields a yellow precipitate in solu- 
tions of the persalts of tin ; the precipitate is however soluble in 
hydrochloric acid. It gives brown or black precipitates in acid 
solutio7is of the following metallic bases : — proto- and per-salts of 
mercury, salts of silver, lead, copper, bismuth, protoxide of tin, 
gold, and platinum. The precipitate with the persalts of mercury 
is at first yellow, but becomes black with excess of sulphuretted 
hydrogen. Salts of the following metals (contained in the Phar- 
macopoeia) are not precipitated by hydrosulphuric acid in acid 
solutions : the proto- and per-salts of iron, oxide of zinc, and man- 
ganese. 

SOLUTION OF IODATE OF POTASH. 

Prep. By rubbing together to a fine powder, fifty grains of 
iodine, and fifty grains of chlorate of potash, then pouring upon it 
half an ounce of distilled water with five minims of nitric acid, 
and digesting in a Florence flask with a gentle heat until the 
colour of the iodine disappears ; then boiling for one minute, trans- 
ferring the contents of the flask to a capsule, and evaporating to 
perfect dryness at 212°. The residue should be dissolved in ten 
ounces of distilled water and the solution kept in a stoppered 
bottle. In this process, by the powerful oxidizing agency of the 
nitric and chlorate of potash upon the iodine, the iodate of potash 
is formed. 

Use. Iodate of potash is used for ascertaining the freedom of 
acetic acid and glacial acetic acid from sulphurous acid. When 
added to acetic acid previously mixed with mucilage of starch, if 
no sulphurous acid be present, no change is produced ; but if sul- 
phurous acid be present, the iodate is decomposed, iodide of potas- 
sium is formed, as represented in the following equation : (KO, 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 395 

I0 5 -f 6 (HO, S0 2 ) = KI + 6 (HO, S0 3 ), and the iodine liberated, 
which gives rise to a blue colour with the starch. 

SOLUTION OF IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. 

Prep. Made by dissolving one ounce of iodide of potassium in 
eight ounces of distilled water, and making up the solution to ten 
fluid ounces. 

Use. The solution of iodide of potassium is used as a test for 
the presence of lead, in the oxide, the acetate, and the carbonate 
of that metal. The oxide (litharge) and the carbonate are dis- 
solved in water, with the aid of a little nitric acid, the acetate in 
distilled water alone, and the solution of iodide of potassium is 
added ; a bright-yellow precipitate of iodide of lead is produced : 
it is precipitated at first as a yellow powder, sparingly soluble in 
cold, but more soluble in hot water, the solution, as it cools, depos- 
iting the iodide in beautiful yellow spangles. 

SOLUTION OF OXALATE OF AMMONIA. 

Prep. Made by first neutralizing a solution of one ounce of 
purified oxalic acid in eight ounces of boiling distilled water, with 
carbonate of ammonia ; filtering the solution, cooling, and allowing 
the oxalate of ammonia to crystallize. The crystals have the 
composition (NH 4 0, C 2 3 -f HO). Of these crystals, dried on 
filtering paper by simple exposure to air, and free from efflores- 
cence, half an ounce is dissolved in one pint of distilled water. ( 

Use. The solution of oxalate of ammonia is used for detecting 
the presence of lime in solution. It forms, in very dilute neutral 
or alkaline solutions of the salts of lime, a precipitate of oxalate 
of lime, which is insoluble in acetic acid, but soluble in nitric and 
hydrochloric acids. It is applied for this purpose to test many 
of the Pharmacopoeia substances — tartaric and citric acids, liquor 
ammonias fortior, creta preparata, calcis phosphas, calx, carbo- 
nate and citrate of lithia, sulphate of magnesia, and many other 
substances in the Materia Medica. 

SOLUTION OF PHOSPHATE OF SODA. 

Prep. Made by dissolving one ounce of phosphate of soda, in 
crystals, in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, subsequently made 
up to ten fluid ounces. 



396 MATERIA MEDICA. 

Use. The solution is used under Magnesia, Carbonate and 
Sulphate of Magnesia, to test the presence of that base, by the 
formation of the arnmonio-niagnesian phosphate, as noticed under 
the solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia. Also under Carbo- 
nate of Lithia, the chloride of which is precipitated by the solution 
of phosphate of soda, as phosphate of lithia. 

SOLUTION OF SULPHATE OF INDIGO. 

Prep. Made by digesting for an hour, with the aid of the 
heat of a water-bath, five grains of indigo in one fluid drachm of 
pure sulphuric acid ; then pouring the solution into ten fluid 
ounces of distilled water, and after thoroughly mixing by agitation, 
allowing any undissolved matter to subside, and decanting off the 
the clear liquid for use. . 

Use. This solution, which contains the sulphate of indigo 
(HO, C 16 H 4 NO, 2 S0 3 ), when in contact with free chlorine or 
bodies containing chlorine in a feeble state of combination, be- 
comes decolorized, hence its value as a test. It is employed under 
Chlori Liquor, Sodas Chloratas Liquor, &c. 

SOLUTION OF SULPHATE OF IRON. 

Prep. Made by dissolving ten grains of granulated sulphate 
of iron in one fluid ounce of boiling distilled water. It should 
be recently prepared. 

Use. This is a solution of the protosulphate of iron ; in con- 
tact with nitric acid and oil of vitriol it becomes of a dark purple 
colour. 

It is employed under Acidum Nitricum, Acidum Phosphoricum, 
Acidum Sulphuricum, Athens Nitrosi Spiritus, &c. 

SOLUTION OF SULPHATE OF LIME. 

Prep. Made by rubbing a quarter of an ounce of plaster of 
Paris (sulphate of lime, dried), in a porcelain mortar with 'two 
fluid ounces of distilled water, and then adding the milky fluid 
to eighteen fluid ounces of water, and after allowing the undis- 
solved sulphate to subside, decanting off the clear solution 
for use. 



TEST-SOLUTIONS. 397 

Use. This solution gives rise to a precipitate (oxalate of 
lime) when treated with oxalic acid or a soluble oxalate ; it is 
used under Acidum Tartaricum to ascertain the absence of oxalic 
acid. 

SOLUTION OF TARTARIC ACID. 

Prep. Made by dissolving an ounce of crystallized tartaric 
acid in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and adding to it two 
fluid ounces of rectified spirit. 

The spirit is employed on account of the liability of the watery 
solution of tartaric acid to become opaque from the formation of 
a vegetable growth. 

Use. The solution of tartaric acid is used in the Pharma- 
copoeia for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of potash ; 
for if added in excess to any solution containing that base, a very 
insoluble salt, the acid or bitartrate of potash, is formed and pre- 
cipitates. Again, tartaric acid prevents the precipitation of oxide 
of antimony when an acid solution of this metal is added to 
water. 

It is employed under Alumen and Potassas Acetas ; also under 
Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor, and Antimonium Tartaratum. 

SOLUTION OF TERCHLORIDE OF GOLD. 

Prep. Made by dissolving, with the aid of heat, sixty grains 
of fine gold in thin laminae, in a dilute nitro-hydrochloric acid made 
by mixing one fluid ounce of nitric acid, six fluid ounces of hydrochlo- 
ric acid, and four fluid ounces of distilled water ; then adding an 
additional fluid ounce of hydrochloric acid and evaporating at a 
temperature not above 212° Fah., until acid vapours cease to be 
given off ; and lastly, dissolving the terchloride of gold which, 
remains in five fluid ounces of distilled water. 

Use. This solution contains terchloride of gold (Au Cl 3 ), and 
is employed for the purpose of distinguishing the alkaloid atro- 
pine, which forms with it a double salt, chloride of gold and atro- 
pine ; crystallizing in yellow plumous needles. 

In addition to these solutions, the volumetric solutions of nitrate 
of silver and of iodine are also made use of as test-solutions for 



398 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

qualitative analysis. Nitrate of silver is used as a test for hydro- 
chloric acid and the chlorides, with which it forms a curdy white 
precipitate (chloride of silver), soluble in excess of ammonia, but 
insoluble in nitric acid ; — for hydrocyanic acid and the cyanides, 
with which it forms a white cyanide of silver, entirely soluble in 
boiling nitric acid ; — for tribasic phosphoric acid with which it 
gives a yellow phosphate of silver, soluble in excess both of nitric 
acid and ammonia ; — for arsenic acid, with which it gives a brick- 
red precipitate of arseniate of silver, soluble in excess of nitric 
and ammonia. It is also used as a test for the purity of rectified 
spirit. The solution of iodine is used as a test for starch in vari- 
ous substances, as in calumbo, gamboge, catechu, scammony, flour 
of mustard, &c. 



VOLUMETRIC SOLUTIONS. 399 



VOLUMETEIC SOLUTIONS. 



In making use of the volumetric solutions a graduated tube or 
alkalimeter is employed, which when filled to 0, holds 1,000 grains 
of distilled water at 60° ; it is divided into a hundred parts of 
equal capacity, so that each division will contain ten grains of 
distilled water at 60°. The graduation should be carefully made, 
the object being to note, with as much accuracy as possible, the 
number of measures of the solution required to produce a certain 
effect. With regard to the alkaline and acid test-solutions, but 
little need be said. The solution of soda for estimating the 
strength of acids is so prepared that a hundred measures of the 
solution contain thirty-one grains of soda ; the equivalent of soda 
being thirty-one, it is evident that this quantity will neutralize an 
equivalent in grains of any monobasic acid. The solution of 
oxalic acid for determining the amount of alkali is of such a 
strength that a hundred measures of the solution contain sixty- 
three grains of oxalic acid, and are therefore capable of neutral- 
izing an equivalent in grains (sixty-three being the equivalent of 
crystallized oxalic acid) of any alkali or alkaline carbonate, thirty- 
one grains of soda, forty-seven of potash, &c, &c. 

The following are the directions given in the Pharmacopoeia 
for the preparation of the volumetric solution of soda and oxalic 
acid. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF SODA. 
(Soda, NaO=31.) 

(Take of solution of soda, a sufficiency ; distilled water, a suffi- 
ciency.) Fill the volumetric tube to with the solution of 
soda, and drop this into sixty-three grains of purified oxalic 
acid dissolved in two fluid ounces of the water, until the acid is 



400 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

exactly saturated, as indicated by litmus. Note the number of 
measures (n) of the solution used, and having then taken forty 
fluid ounces of the solution of soda, augment this quantity by 
the addition of distilled water, until it becomes ~ fluid ounces. 
If, for example, N=93, the forty ounces of solution of soda should 
be diluted so as to become 4 SH?°=43'01. 

The quantity of this solution which fills the volumetric tube to 
0, includes thirty-one grains of soda, and will therefore neutralize 
an equivalent in grains of any monobasic acid. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF OXALIC ACID. 
(Oxalic acid crystallized, HO, C 2 3 + 2 HO=63.) 

(Take of purified oxalic acid in crystals quite dry, but not efflo- 
resced, 551*25 grains ; distilled water, a sufficiency.) Dissolve 
the oxalic acid in eighteen fluid ounces of the water, and when 
the solution is complete add as much distilled water as will make 
its bulk exactly twenty fluid ounces at 60°. 

The quantity of the solution which fills the volumetric tube to 
0, includes exactly sixty-three grains of crystallized oxalic acid, 
-and is therefore capable of neutralizing an equivalent in grains 
of any alkali or alkaline carbonate. 

With respect to the four other volumetric solutions introduced 
into the Appendix, a few words of explanation may here be 
offered. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF BICHROMATE OF POTASH. 
(Bichromate of Potash, KO, 2 Cr0 3 =147-5.) 

(Take of pure bichromate of potash, one hundred and twenty 
grains ; distilled water, one pint. Dissolve.) Of the bichromate 
of potash solution, one hundred measures contain 14*75 (or T V of 
an equivalent) in grains of that salt. It is used to determine the 
amount of a protosalt of iron present in a liquid. When the bichro- 
mate is added to a solution of a protosalt of iron in hydro- 
chloric acid, the proto- is converted into per-salt, and by ascer- 
taining the amount of the solution necessary to complete this 
change, the quantity of protosalt present can be estimated. The 
nature of the decompositions which occur may be represented by 



VOLUMETKIC SOLUTIONS. 401 

the following formula, KO, 2 Cr0 3 + 6 FeO + 4 H Cl=3 (Fe 2 3 ) 
+ Cr 2 CI3 + KCI + 4 HO. Two equivalents of chromic acid (2 
Cr0 3 ), present in the bichromate, yield three equivalents of oxygen, 
which convert six equivalents of protoxide, 6 (FeO), into three of 
peroxide 3 (Fe 2 3 ). Consequently, 147*5, the equivalent in grains of 
bichromate of potash, is capable of converting, and will therefore 
represent, six equivalents in grains of protoxide of iron ; and one 
hundred measures of the volumetric solution, containing 14*75 grains 
of the bichromate, will represent 16*8 or -^ of six equivalents of 
iron. When all the iron is converted into a persalt, a drop of the 
solution will no longer strike a blue colour with ferridcyanide of 
potassium. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA. 
(Hyposulphite of Soda crystallized, NaO, S 2 2 -r-5 HO=124.) 

(Take of hyposulphite of soda, in crystals, two hundred and 
sixty grains ; distilled water, a sufficiency.) Dissolve the hypo- 
sulphite of soda in one pint of the water, and drop the solution 
cautiously from the volumetric tube into one hundred measures 
of the volumetric solution of iodine, until the brown colour of 
the iodine is just discharged. Note the number of measures (n) 
which have been used to produce this effect ; and having then 
taken sixteen fluid ounces of the same solution augment this 
quantity by the addition of distilled water until it amounts to 
— N — fluid ounces. If for example, n = 96, the sixteen ounces 
of the solution of the hyposulphite should be diluted with dis- 
tilled water so as to become 1 |f° = 16*66 fluid ounces. One 
hundred measures of the solution of hyposulphite of soda con- 
tain 24*8 grains of the crystallized hyposulphite. It is employed 
for estimating free iodine. When the solution of hyposulphite 
is added to a liquid containing free iodine a decomposition takes 
place, which may be represented by the formula, 2 (NaO, S 2 3 ) 
+ I = NaO, S t 5 -f Na I, iodide of sodium and tetrathronate 
of soda being formed, the solutions of which are devoid of 
colour. Hence, to decolorize one equivalent in grains of iodine, 
two equivalents in grains of the hyposulphite are required. Now 
one hundred measures of the volumetric solution contain 24*8 or 
tV of two equivalents in grains of the hyposulphite of soda, and' 
27 



402 MATEKIA MEDIC A. 

will therefore represent 12*7 or T V of one equivalent in grains of 
iodine. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF IODINE. 
(Iodine, I = 127 ) 

(Take of purified iodine, in powder, 111*125 grains ; iodide of 
potassium, one hundred and fifty grains ; distilled water, a suf- 
ficiency. Mix the iodide of potassium and iodine in a bottle with 
eighteen ounces of the water, agitate until both are dissolved, 
and when the solution is complete, add as much more distilled 
water as will make the total bulk exactly one pint.) The volu- 
metric solution of iodine is of such a strength, that one hundred 
measures include 12*7 grains (or T V of an equivalent) of iodine. 
It is dropped into the solution to be tested until free iodine begins 
to appear, and the number of measures added before this colour 
appears is carefully noted. It is principally used for the quantitative 
estimation of sulphurous and arsenious acid, all the sulphurous 
acid being converted into sulphuric, and the arsenious into arsenic 
acid, before any free iodine appears. The following equation 
represents the decompositions which occur, S0 2 + 1+ HO=S0 3 + 
HI ; so that one equivalent of iodine is required to each equiva- 
lent of sulphurous acid, before any free iodine appears, and each 
equivalent of iodine will correspond to one equivalent of the sul- 
phurous acid, or one hundred measures containing 12*7 grains (or 
T V of an equivalent) of iodine will represent 3'2 grains (or -^ of 
an equivalent) of sulphurous acid. For the conversion of arseni- 
ous acid into arsenic, two equivalents of iodine will be required 
(As 3 + 2 HO + 2 I = As 5 + 2 HI). So that one hundred 
measures of the volumetric solution will represent -p^ of half an 
equivalent of arsenious acid, or 4*95 grains. 

It is also used for the estimation of sulphuretted hydrogen, one 
hundred measures of the solution representing 1*7 grains (or y 1 ^ 
of an equivalent in grains) of sulphuretted hydrogen. 

VOLUMETRIC SOLUTION OF NITRATE OF SILVER. 
(Nitrate of Silver, AgO, N0 5 = 170.) 

(Take of nitrate of silver, 148*75 grains ; distilled water, one pint. 
Dissolve, and keep in an opaque stoppered bottle. The quantity 



VOLUMETRIC SOLUTIONS. 403 

of this solution which fills the volumetric tube to 0, includes seven- 
teen grains of nitrate of silver, or T \ of an equivalent of the salt 
in grains.) The volumetric solution of nitrate of silver is made 
of such a strength that one hundred measures contain IT grains 
(or T V of an equivalent) of nitrate of silver (AgO, N0 5 = 
170). It is used for determining the strength of hydrocyanic 
acid. When nitrate of silver is added to a solution of hydrocy- 
anic acid, to which an excess of soda has been added, it gives 
rise to the formation of a double, salt, consisting of one equiva- 
lent of cyanide of sodium and one equivalent of cyanide of silver 
(NaCy, AgCy) which is precipitated at first, but re-dissolved on 
agitation. When all the hydrocyanic acid is withdrawn in the 
formation of this double cyanide, nitrate of silver gives rise to a 
precipitate no longer soluble ; the appearance of this permanent 
precipitate is an indication that all the cyanogen is exhausted. 
The changes may be exhibited in the formula (AgO, N0 5 + 2 Na 
Cy = NaO, N0 5 + NaCy, AgCy). Hence it will be seen that each 
equivalent of nitrate of silver represents two of hydrocyanic acid. 
So that 17 grains (or T V of an equivalent) of nitrate of silver 
will correspond to 5*4 (2*7 x 2) grains, or T 2 o of an equivalent 
in grains, of absolute hydrocyanic acid. 



404 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



The following List exhibits the doses of important remedial 
agents and their preparations as ordinarily prescribed for adults. 
When medicines are administered to young children or very aged 
persons some modification is required ; and the annexed Table, by 
Gaubius, will serve somewhat as a guide for the regulation of the 
doses for patients of different ages : 



AGES. 


PROPORTIONAL QUANTITIES. 


DOSES. 


For an adult 
Under 1 year 
" 2 years 
" 3 " 


suppose the dose to 
will require only 

U lb 


be 


One 
i 

1 2 

1 

' 8 
1 

6 


or 60 grains. 

5 grains. 

7|- grains. 

10 grains. 


" 4 " 

u n u 






1 
4 
1 
3 


15 grains. 
20 grains. 


" 14 u 


«{ t< 




1 

2 


30 grains. 


" 20 " 

Above 21 " 


tt a 

the full dose . 




2 
3 


40 grains. 
60 grains. 


" 65 " 


the inverse gradation c 
above. 


f the 





It should be borne in mind, that certain drugs, especially ojnum, 
must be administered with great care to children, and that mer- 
curials can be taken for a long time by such subjects without the 
ordinary symptoms of mercurialization being produced. Besides 
age, other circumstances, such as sex, temperament, climate and 
custom, have great influence on the action of medicines. 



Absinthium (in powder) 
Acetum 



20 gr. to 40 gr. 
1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm., diluted. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



405 



Acidum Aceticum Dilutum . 

Acidum Arseniosum 

Acidum Benzoicum 

Acidum Carbolicum 

Acidum Citricum 

Acidum Gallicum 

Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum 

Acidum Hydrocianicum Dilutum 
Acidum Nitricum 
Acidum Nitricum Dilutum 
Acidum Nitro - Hvdrochloricum 

Dilutum 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum 
Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum 
Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum 
Acidum Tannicum 
Acidum Tartaricum . 
Aconitum (leaves) 
iEther .... 
Aloe Barbadensis (in powder) 
Aloe Socotrina (in powder) 
Alumen (as an astringent) . 
Alum en (as a purgative) 
Ammoniacum (the gum resin) 
Ammoniae Benzoas 
Ammoniae Bicarbonas 
Ammoniae Carbonas (as a stimu 

lant) 

Ammonias Carbonas (as an emetic) 
Ammoniae Hydrochloras 
Ammonias Phosphas . 
Antimonii Oxidum 
Antimonium Sulphur atum 
Antimonium Tartaratum (as a 

diaphoretic expectorant) 
Antimonium Tartaratum (as a vas 

cular depressant or sedative) 



1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm., freely 
diluted. 

A g r - t0 A gr. to T V gr. 
10 gr. to 15 gr. 

1 min. to 3 min. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

3 gr. to 20 gr. 
10 min. to 30 min., freely di- 
luted. 

2 min. to 10 min. 

1 min. to 5 min. 
10 min. to 30 min. 

3 min. to 6 min. 
10 min. to 30 min. 

5 min. to 25 min. 
5 min. to 30 min. 
3 gr. to 20 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

2 gr. to 10 gr. 

15 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
2 gr. to 6 gr. 

2 gr. to 6 gr. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 
30 gr. to 60 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

3 gr. to 10 gr. 

30 gr., freely diluted. 
5 gr. to 30 gr. 
5 gr. to 20 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 

A gr. to i gr. 

i gr. to 2 gr. 



406 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



Antimonium Tartaratum (as an 

emetic) . 
Aqua 
Aqua Anethi 

Aqua C amphorae 
Aqua Carui 
Aqua Cinnamomi 
Aqua Foeniculi . 
Aqua Moris Aurantii 
Aqua Laurocerasi 
Aqua Mentha? Piperita? 
Aqua Menthse Yiridis 
Aqua Pimentae . 
Aqua Kos33 
Aqua Sambuci . 
Argenti Nitras . 
Argenti Oxidum 
Assafoetida (the gum resin) 
Aurum (in powder) . 
Auri Teroxidum 
Auri Terchloridum 
Auri et Sodii Chloridum 
Balsamum Peruvianum 
Balsamum Tolutanum 
Beberise Sulphas 
Benzoinum (the balsam) 
Bismuthum Album 
Bismuthi Carbonas 
Bismuthi Nitras 
Bucco (powdered leaves) 
Calcis Carbonas Precipitata 
Calcii Chloridum 
Calomelas (as a purgative) 
Calomelas (as an alterative) 

Calumba (in powder) . 
Cambogia (the powdered resin) 
Camphora .... 



1 gr. to 3 gr. 

ad libitum. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; for infants, 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 
1 fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
10 min. to 30 min. or more. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
J gr. to 1 gr. 

J gr. to 2 gr. 

5 gr. to 30 gr. 

£ gr. to 1 gr. 
T V gr. and upwards. 
2V gr. and upwards. 
~ gr. and upwards. 
10 min. to J fl. drm. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

2 gr. to 10 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 
20 gr. to 40 gr. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 
10 gr. and upwards. 

2 gr. to 6 gr. 

■J gr. to 1 gr., frequently re- 
peated. 
10 gr. to 60 gr. 

1 gr. to 5 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



407 



Canella (in powder) . 

Capsicum (in powder) 

Carbo Animalis Purificatus 

Carbo Animalis Purificatus (as 
an antidote) . 

Carbo Ligni 

Cardamomum (powdered Carda- 
moms) .... 

Caryophyllum (cloves in powder) 

Cascarilla (powdered bark) 

Cassia (the prepared pulp) . 

Castoreum (in substance) . 

Catechu (in powder) . 

Cerii Oxalas 

Cerii Oxidum . 

Chloroformum . 

Cinchona (the powdered bark) 

Cinchonise Sulphas 

Cinchonidinae Sulphas 

Cinchonise Hydrochloras . 

Cinnamomum (powdered bark) 

Colchicum (the powdered corm.) 

Colocynth (the powdered pulp) 

Confectio Pi peris 

Confectio Rosas Caninas 

Confectio Rosas Gallicas 

Confectio Scammonii . 

Confectio Sennas 

Confectio Sulphuris . 

Confectio Terebinthinae 

Confectio Terebinthinas 
Coniurn (the powdered leaves) 
Copaiba .... 
Copaibas Oleum . 
Coriandrum (the powdered fruit) 
Cortex Winteri 
Creosotum 
Creta Prasparata 



15 gr. to 30 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 
60 gr. to \ oz. 

J oz. to 2 oz. 
60 gr. to J oz. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
120 gr. and upwards. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

3 gr. to 5 gr. 

3 gr. to 5 gr. 

1 min. to 10 min. 
10 gr. to 60 gr. 

1 gr. to 10 gr. 

1 gr. to 10 gr. 

1 gr. to 10 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

2 gr. to 8 gr. 

2 gr. and upwards. 
40 gr. to 120 gr. 

60 gr. or more. 
60 gr. or more. 
15 gr. to 30 gr. or more. 
60 gr. to \ oz. 
20 gr. to 120 gr. 
(for children as an anthelmin- 
tic) \ oz. to \ oz. 
(for adults) \ oz. to 1 oz. 

3 gr. to 10 gr. 

15 min. to \ fl. drm. 

5 min. to 20 min. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
30 gr. to 60 gr. 

1 min. to 3 min. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 



408 



MA.TEBIA MEDICA. 



Crocus (dried) . 

Cubeba (the powder) 

Cubebse Oleum . 

Cupri Sulphas (as an astringent 

or tonic) 
Cupri Sulphas (as an emetic) 
Cusparia (in powder) 
Cusso .... 

Decoctum Aloes Compositum 
Decoctum Cetrarise . 
Decoctum ChimaphiL© (Lond 

1851) .... 
Decoctum Cinchonas Flavas 
Decoctum Cydonii {Lond. 1851) 
Decoctum Granati Radicis 
Decoctum Hsematoxyli 
Decoctum Hordei 
Decoctum Pareirse 
Decoctum Quercus 
Decoctum Sarsas 
Decoctum Sarsse Compositum 
Decoctum Scoparii 
Decoctum Taraxaci . 
Decoctum TorinentillaB (Lond, 

1851) .... 
Decoctum Ulmi (Lond. 1851) 
Digitalis (powdered leaves) 
Digitaline 

Elaterium .... 
Elaterine (crystallized) 
Ergota (the powdered ergot) 
Extractum Aconiti (from juice) 
Extractum Aloes Barbadensis 
Extractum Aloes Socotrinas 
Extractum Anthemidis 
Extractum Belse Liquidum 
Extractum Belladonnas 
Extractum Calumbse . 



20 gr. and upwards. 
20 gr. to 120 gr. 
5 min. to 20 min. 

J gr. to 2 gr. 
5 gr. to 8 gr. 
10 gr. to 40 gr. 
•J oz. for an adult, 
i oz. for a child. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 



1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz, to 
1 fl. oz. to 
ad libitum. 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 
1 fl. oz. to 



2 fl. oz. 

2 fl. oz. 
4 fl. oz. 

3 fl. oz. 

2 fl. oz. 

3 fl. oz. 

2 fl. oz. 

4 fl. oz. 
4 fl. oz. 

3 fl. oz. 
2 fl. oz. 



1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. 

4 gr. to 2 gr. 
¥ V gr. to r V gr. 
tV gr. to i gr. 
2V gr- to J gr. 
20 gr. to 30 gr. 

1 gr. to 4 gr. 

2 gr. to 6 gr. 
2 gr. to 6 gr. 
2 gr. to 6 gr. 

1 fl. drm. to -J fl. oz. 
J- gr. to 1 gr. 

2 gr. to 6 gr. 



oz. to 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



409 



Extractum Cannabis Indicse 
Extr actum Cinchonas Flavas Li 

quidum .... 
Extractnm Colchici . 
Extractum Colchici Aceticum 
Extractum Colocynthidis Com 

positum .... 
Extractum Conii 
Extractum Ergotae Liquidum 
Extractum Filicis Liquidum 
Extractum Gentianas . 
Extractum Glycyrrhizas 
Extractum Hasmatoxyli 
Extractum Hyoscyami 
Extractum Jalapas 
Extractum Kramerias 
Extractum Lupuli 
Extractum ISTucis Vomicae 
Extractum Opii 
Extractum Opii Liquidum 
Extractum Pareirae Liquidum 
Extractum Quassias . 
Extractum Rhei 
Extractum Sarsse Liquidum 
Extractum Stramonii 
Extractum Taraxaci . 
Fel Bovinum (purif.) . 
Ferri Ammonio- Chloridum 
Ferri Arsenias . 
Ferri Carbonas Saccharata 
Ferri et Ammonias Citras 
Ferri et Quinias Citras 
Ferri Iodidum . 
Ferri Oxidum Magneticum 
Ferri Perchloridi Liquor 
Ferri Pernitratis Liquor 
Ferri Peroxidum 
Ferri Phosphas . 
Ferri Sulphas . 



£ gr. to 1 gr. or more. 

10 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
i gr. to 2 gr. 
i gr. to 2 gr. 

2 gr. to 10 gr. 

2 gr. to 5 gr. 

20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
30 min. to 2 fl. drm. 

5 gr. to 10 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. to 10 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

J gr. to 2 gr. 

J gr. to 3 gr. 

3 min. to 30 min. 

i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

2 gr. to 5 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 

J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

i gr. to li gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 
T V gr. to i gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

5 gr. and upwards. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

1 gr. to 5 gr. 

3 gr. to 5 gr. 

3 min. to 10 min. 
30 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
10 gr. to 60 gr. or more. 

5 gr. to 10 gr. 

2 gr. to 10 gr. 



410 



MATEE1A MEDICA. 



Ferri Sulphas Exsiccata 

Ferri Sulphas Granulata • 

Ferrum Redactum 

Ferrum Tartaratum . 

Filix (of the powdered root) 

Galbanum (the gum resin) . 

Gentiana (in powder) 

Glycerinum 

Guaiacum (the powdered resin) 

Hydrargyri Corrosivum Subli 

matum .... 
Hydrargyrum cum Greta . 
Hydrargyri Sulphuretum (for fu 

migation) 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum 
Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride 
Infusum Anthemidis . 
Infusum Aurantii 
Infusum Bucco . 
Infusum Calumbas 
Infusum Caryophylli . 
Infusum I ascarillae . 
Infusum Catechu 
Infusum Chiratas 
Infusum Cinchonas Flavas . 
Infusum Cusparias 
Infusum Cusso . 
Infusum Digitalis 
Infusum Dulcamaras . 
Infusum Ergotas 
Infusum Gentianas Compositum 
Infusum Kramerias 
Infusum Lini 
Infusum Lupuli . 
Infusum Maticas 
Infusum Quassias 
Infusum Rfyei 
Infusum Rosas Acidum 
Infusum Senegas 



1 gr. to 5 gr. 

2 gr. to 10 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 
5 gr. to 30 gr. 

60 gr. to 120 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

T V gr. to I gr. 
5 gr. to 15 gr. 

30 gr. and upwards. 

1 gr. to 3 gr. 
1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl, oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
4 fl. oz. to 8 fl. oz. 

2 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
ad libitum. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



411 



Infusum Sennas . 

Infusum Serpentarias . 

Infusum Uvas Ursi 

Infusum Valerianae . 

Inula (in powder) 

Iodine 

Ipecacuanha (in powder, 

emetic) . 
Ipecacuanha (in powder, 

expectorant) . 
Jalapa (powder) 
Jalapas Resina . 
Kamela 

Kino (in powder) 
Krameria (in powder) 
Lactucarium 
Liquor Ammonias 
Liquor Ammonias Fortior 

Liquor Ammonias Acetatis 
[Liquor Ammonias Acetatis 
Liquor Arsenicalis 



as an 



as an 



U.S 



Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri 
Hydriodatis (Donovan's Solu 
tion) .... 

Liquor Calcis . 

Liquor Calcis Saccharatus . 

Liquor Chlori . 

Liquor Morphias Hydrochloratis 
[Liquor Morphias Sulphatis. U. S 
Liquor Fotassas 

Liquor Sodas 

Liquor Sodas Arseniatis 

Liquor Sodas Chloratas 

Liquor Strychnias 



1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
30 gr. to 60 gr. 

J gr., gradually increased. 

15 gr. to 30 gr. 

J gr. to 2 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

2 gr. to 6 gr. 
60 gr. to 120 gr. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 

5 gr. to 30 gr. 
10 min. to 30 min. 

3 min. to 10 min., freely di- 

luted. 
10 min. to 40 min. 
\ fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz.] 
2 min. to 5 min., occasionally 

to 10 min. 



10 min. to i fl. dr. 
\ fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
15 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
10 min. to 30 min., freely di- 
luted. 
20 min to 1 fl. drm. 
\ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.] 
10 min. to 1 fl. drm., freely 

diluted. 
10 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
5 min. to 30 min. 
10 min. to 20 min., freely di- 
luted. 
5 min. to 15 min. 



412 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



3 gr. to 6 gr. 
5 gr. to 10 gr. 
5 gr. to 10 gr. 

10 gr. to 20 gr. 

20 gr. to 60 gr. 



Lithias Carbonas 

Lithias Citras .... 

Lupulin ..... 

Magnesia and Magnesia Levis 
(as an antacid) 

Magnesia (as a purgative or ad- 
junct) 

Magnesiae Carbonas (as an antacid) 10 gr. to 20 gr. 

Magnesias Carbonas Levis (as a 

purgative) . . . . 20 gr. to 60 gr. 

Magnesias Sulphas (as a purga- 
tive) 120 gr. to J oz. or more. 

Magnesias Sulphas (as an adjunct 

to purgatives) . . .30 gr. and upwards. 

Magnesiae Sulphas (as a diuretic) 10 gr. to 30 gr. 

Mauganesii Sulphas (as a purgative) 60 gr. to 120 gr. 



Manna .... 
Mastiche (resin, in powder) 
Matico (in powder) 
Mistura Ammoniaci 
Mistura Amygdalae 
Mistura Guaiaci 
Mistura Scammonii 
Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici 
Mistura Ferri Composita 
Morphias Hydrochloras 
Mucilago Acacias 
Mucilago Tragacanthas 
Myristica (in powder) 
Myrrh (in powder) 
Nux Vomica (in powder) 
Oleum Amygdalae 
Oleum Anethi . 
Oleum Anisi 
Oleum Anthemidis 
Oleum Cajuputi 
Oleum Carui 
Oleum Caryophylli 
Oleum Cinnamomi 



60 gr. to 120 gr. 
20 gr. to 40 gr. 
30 gr. to 60 gr. 

■J- fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 

1 fl. oz. to li fl. oz. 

2 fl. oz. 

J oz. to 1J oz. 
1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. 
i gr. to 1 gr. 
ad libitum. 
1 fl. oz. and upwards. 
5 gr. to 15 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
1 gr. to 3 gr. 
1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 
1 min. to 5 min. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



413 



Oleum Copaibas 

Oleum Coriandri 

Oleum Crotonis 

Oleum Cubeba? . 

Oleum Juniperi 

Oleum Lavandulae 

Oleum Limonis . 

Oleum Mentha? Piperita? 

Oleum Mentha? Yiridis 

Oleum Morrhuas 

Oleum Myristicae 

Oleum Olivae 

Oleum Pimentae 

Oleum Pulegii . 

Oleum Ricini 

Oleum Rosmarini 

Oleum Rutse 

Oleum Sabina? . 

Oleum Sassafras 

Oleum Terebinthinse) as stimu 

lant and diuretic) . 
Oleum Terebinthinse (as an an 

thelmintic purgative) 
Opium (powdered) 
Oxymel 

Pareira (in powder) 
Pepsina 

Pepsina Porci . 
Petroleum 
Phosphorus 

Pilula Aloes Barbadensis 
Pilula Aloes et Assafcetidae 
Pilula Aloes et Myrrhae 
Pilula Aloes Socotrinas 
Pilula Assafcetidas Composita 
Pilula Calomelanos Composita 

(as an alterative) . 
Pilula Cambogia? Composita 
Pilula Colocynthidis Composita 



5 min. to 
1 min. to 
I min. to 
5 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 fl. drm. 
1 min. to 
1 fl. drm. 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 fl. drm. 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 
1 min. to 



20 min. 
5 min. 
2 min. 
20 min. 
10 min. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
to J fl. oz. 
5 min. 
to 1 fl. oz. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
to 1 fl. oz. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
5 min. 
5 min. 



10 min. to 30 min. 

2 fl. drm. to 6 fl. drm. 
J gr. to 4 gr. 

1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz. , 
80 gr. to 60 gr. 

15 gr. to 20 gr. 

2 gr. to 4 gr. 

30 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
■io gr. to T V gr. 
4 gr. to 10 gr. 

4 gr. to 15 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 

4 gr. to 10 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 

5 gr. to 10 gr. 
5 gr. to 15 gr. 
5 gr. to 12 gr. 



414 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



Pilula Colocynthidis et Hyo 

scyami .... 
Pilula Ferri Carbonatis 
Pilula Ferri Iodidi . 
Pilula Hydrargyri 
Pilula Opii 

Pilula Pluuibi cum Opio 
Pilula Rhei Composita 
Pilula Scillae Composita 
Pimenta (in powder) 
Piper (nigrum) . 
Piperine .... 
Plumbi Acetas . 
Plumbi Iodidum 
Podophyllum (in powder) . 
Podophylli Eesina (Podophyl 

line) .... 
Potassa Sulphurata . 
Potassae Acetas (as a diuretic) 
Potassae Acetas (as a purgative) 
Potassae Bicarbonas (as an ant 

acid) .... 
Potassae Bicarbonas (in acute 

rheumatism) . 
Potassae Carbonas 
Potassae Chloras 
Potassae Citras 
Potassae Nitras (as a refrigerant 

and diuretic) . 
Potassse Nitras (as a vascular 

sedative) 
Potassae Sulphas (as a purga 

tive) .... 
Potassae Tartras (as a diuretic 

and alterative) 
Potassae Tartras (as a purgative) 
Potassae Tartras Acida (as a 

refrigerant or diuretic) . 



5gr. 


to 15 gr. 


5 gr. 


to 20 gr. 


2igr. 


to 7 gr. 


3gr. 


to 10 gr. 


2|- gr. 


and upwards. 


4gr. 


to 8 gr. 


10 gr. 


to 20 gr. 


5gr. 


to 10 gr. 


5 gr. 


to 20 gr. 


5gr. 


to 10 gr. 


5gr. 


to 10 gr. 


igr- 


to 3 gr. 


igr. 


to 1 gr. 


10 gr. 


to 20 gr. 


i gr. 


to 2 gr. 


3gr. 


to 6 gr., freely diluted 


10 gr. 


to 20 gr. 


120 gr. 


and upwards. 



10 gr. to 30 gr. 



30 gr. 
10 gr. 

10 gr. 



to 40 gr., freely diluted, 
to 20 gr. 
to 20 gr. 
to 60 gr. 



20 gr. 
5 gr. to 20 gr. 



20 gr. 



20 gr. 

10 gr. 
120 gr. 



to 30 gr. 

to 120 gr. 

to 60 gr. 
to 200 gr. 



20 gr. to 60 gr. 



POSOLOaiCAL TABLE. 



415 



Potassae Tartras Acida (as 
hydragogue purgative) . 

Potassii Bromidum 

Potassii Iodidum 

Pulvis Amygdala? Compositus 

Pulvis Antimonialis . 

Pulvis Aromaticus 

Pulvis Catechu Compositus 

Pulvis Cretan Aromaticus . 

Pulvis Cretas Aromaticus cum 
Opio .... 

Pulvis Ipecacuanha? cum Opio 

Pulvis Jalapge Compositus . 

Pulvis Kino cum Opio 

Pulvis Rhei Compositus 

Pulvis Scammonii Compositus 

Pulvis Tragacanthse Compositus 

Quassia (in powder) . 

Quinia? Sulphas . 

Quinise Yalerianas 

Rheum (powdered rhubarb — as a 

stomachic) 
Rheum (powdered rhubarb — as a 

purgative) 
Rhus Toxicodendron (powdered 

leaves) .... 
Ruta (powdered leaves) 
Sabina (the leaves, in powder) 
Sagapenum (the gum resin) 
Sanguinaria (as an expectorant) 
Sanguinaria (as an emetic) 
Santonica (worm seed) 
Santoninum (Santonin — crystal 

lized) .... 

Sapo Durus, or Sapo Mollis (as 

antacids) .... 

Scammonium (gum resin in powd.) 



120 gr. 
3 gr. 

1 gr- 
60 gr. 

3gr. 
10 gr. 
15 gr. 
20 gr. 



to 200 gr. 
to 15 gr. 
to 10 gr. 
to 120 gr. 
to 15 gr. 
to 30 gr. 
to 30 gr. 
to 120 gr. 



10 gr. to 60 gr. 

5 gr. and upwards. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
10 gr. and upwards. 

5 gr. to 10 gr. for children, 
20 gr. to 60 gr. for an adult. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 
20 gr. and upwards. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 

1 gr. to 10 gr. 

1 gr. to 5 gr. 

1 gr. to 5 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

i gr. to 1 gr. 
20 gr. to 40 gr. 

5 gr. and upwards. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

3 gr. to 5 gr. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 
60 gr. to 120 gr. 

1 gr. to 3 gr. for a child, 3 gr. 
to 6 gr. for an adult. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

4 gr. to 10 gr. 



416 



MATERIA MED1CA. 



Scammonin (the pure resin) 
Senega ( in powder) . 
Senna (powdered leaves) 
Serpentaria (in powder) 
Simarubra (in powder) 
Sinapis (as an emetic) 



Sodas Acetas .... 
Sodas Arsenias (in crystals) 
Sodas Arsenias (dried at 300°) . 
Sodas Biboras .... 
Sodae Bicarbonas 
Sodas Carbonas .... 
Sodas Carbonas Exsiccata . 
Sodas et Potassae Tartras (as a 

diuretic) . ■ 

Sodae et Potassas Tartras (as a 

purgative) .... 
Sodas Phosphas (as a diuretic) . 
Sodae Phosphas (as a purgative) . 
Sodae Sulphas . 
Sodas Sulphis 
Sodas Valerianas 
Spigelia (in powder) 
Spiritus iEtheris 
Spiritus iEtheris Nitrosi . 
Spiritus Ammonias Aromaticus . 
Spiritus Armoraciae Compositus 
Spiritus Cajuputi 
Spiritus Camphoras . 
Spiritus Chloroformi (Chloric 

Ether) . 
Spiritus Juniperi 
Spiritus Lavandulae . 
Spiritus Menthae Piperitas . 
Spiritus Myristicas 
Spiritus Pyroxylicus . 
Spiritus Rosmarini 
Staphisagria .... 



4 gr. to 10 gr. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 
30 gr. to 120 gr. 
10 gr. to 20 gr. 
15 gr. to 30 gr. 

from a dessert to a tablespoon- 

ful. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 

i gr. to | gr. 
T V gr. to i gr. 
10 gr. to 60 gr. 
10 gr. to 60 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 

5 gr. to 15 gr. 

30 gr. to 60 gr. 

120 gr. to i oz. 
30 gr. to 120 gr. 

i oz. to 1 oz. 

J oz. to 1 oz. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 

i gr. to 2 gr. 
60 gr. to 120 gr. 
30 min. to 14 fl. drm. 
30 min. to 2 fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. 
10 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
10 min. to 30 min. 

10 min. to 30 min. 
20 min. to 1-J- fl. drm. 
10 min. to 50 min. 

5 min. to 50 min. 

5 min. to 50 min. 
10 min. and upwards. 
10 min. to 50 min. 

3 gr. to 10 gr. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



417 



Stramonium (the leaves, powdered) 

Strychnia . 

Styrax Prasparatus . 

Succus Limonis . 

Succus Scoparii . 

Succus Conii 

Succus Taraxaci 

Succus Mori 

Sulphuris Iodidum 

Sulphur Prascipitatum (as a stim 

ulant) 
Sulphur Prascipitatum (as a lax 

ative) 
Sulphur Sublimatum (as a stimu 

lant) 
Sulphur Sublimatum (as a lax 

ative) 
Sumbul (in powder) . 
Syrupus 

Syrupus Althaeas 
Syrupus Aurantii 
Syrupus Aurantii Floris 
Syrupus Ferri Iodidi . 
Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis 
Syrupus Hemidesmi . 
Syrupus Limonis 
Syrupus Mori . 
Syrupus Papaveris 

Syrupus Rhamni (Loncl. 1851) 



Syrupus Rhosados 
Syrupus Rosas Gallicas 
Syrupus Scillas . 
Syrupus Sennas . 
Syrupus Tolutanus 
Syrupus Violas (Lond 
Syrupus Zingiberis 



1851) 



1 gr. and upwards. 
sV gr. to i gr. 

5 gr. to 20 gr. 

1 fl. drm. to 4 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 
30 min. to 1J fl. drm. 

-J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

ad libitum. 

i gr. to 3 gr. 

10 gr. to 20 gr. 

30 gr. to 60 gr. 

10 gr. to 20 gr. 

30 gr. to 60 gr. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 
ad libitum. 

1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

ad libitum. 

1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. ; for chil- 
dren, i fl. drm. 

J fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. ; for chil- 
dren, -J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. and upwards. 

1 fl. drm. and upwards. 

J fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. and upwards. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

|- fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

4 fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. 



28 



418 



MATERIA MEDICA. 



Tamarindus 

Tinctura Aconiti 

Tinctura Actaeco Racemosee 

Tinctura Aloes . 

Tinctura Assafcetidas 

Tinctura Aurantii 

Tinctura Belladonnas 

Tiuctura Benzoini Composita 

Tinctura Bucco . 

Tinctura Calumbas 

Tinctura C amphorae- cum Opio 

Tinctura Cannabis Indicae . 

Tinctura Cantharidis 

Tinctura Capsici 

Tinctura Cardamomi Composita 

Tinctura Cascarillae . 

Tinctura Castorei 

Tinctura Catechu 

Tinctura Chiratae 

Tinctura Cinchonas Composita 

Tinctura Cinchonas Flavas . 

Tinctura Linnamomi . 

Tinctura Cocci . 

Tinctura -Colchici Seminis . 

Tinctura Conii Fructus 

Tinctura Croci . 
Tinctura Digitalis 

Tinctura Ergotas 
Tinctura Ferri Perchloridi 
Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-Chloridi 
Tinctura Gallae . 
Tinctura Gentianas Composita 
Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata 
Tinctura HeilebOri (Lond. 1851) 
Tinctura Hyoscyami . 
Tinctura lodi . 
Tinctura Jalapae 



| oz. and upwards. 

3 min. to 10 min. 
30 min. to 60 min. 

1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. 
30 min. to If fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

5 min. to 30 min. 

^ fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

•J fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

5 min. to 30 min. 

5 min. to 30 min. 

3 min. to 10 min. 

i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

^ fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

•J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

i fl. drm. to 1J fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

•| fl. drm. to 1J fl. drm. 
10 min. to J fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. and up. 
wards. 

1 drm. to l 1 fl. drm. 

5 min. to 40 min. and up- 
wards. 

J fl. drm. to 1| fl. drm. 
10 min. to 40 min. 
10 min. to \ fl. drm. 

J fl. drm. to 1|- fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. 

i fl. drm. to 1|- fl. drm. 
30 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. or more. 

5 min. to 20 min. 

i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 



POSOLOGICAL TABLE. 



419 



Tinctura Kino . 
Tinctura Kramerias . 
Tinctura Lavandulae Composita 
Tinctura Limonis 
Tinctura Lobelias 
Tinctura Lobelias iEtherea 
Tinctura Lupuli 
Tinctura Myrrhae 
Tinctura Nucis Vomicae 
Tinctura Opii . . 
Tinctura Quinias Composita 
Tinctura Rhei (as a stomachic) 
Tinctura Rhei (as a purgative) 
Tinctura Sabinas 
Tinctura Sanguinarias 
Tinctura Scillae 
Tinctura Senegas 
Tinctura Sennas 
Tinctura Serpentarias 
Tinctura Stramonii . 
Tinctura Sumbul 

Tinctura Tolutana 
Tinctura Valerianae . 
Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata 
Tinctura Veratri Viride 
Tinctura Zingiberis . 
Tormentilla (in powder) 
Tragacantha (in powder) . 
Trochisci Acidi Tannici 
Trochisci Bismuthi . 
Trochisci Catechu 
Trochisci Morphias . 
Trochisci Morphias et Ipecacu 

anhas .... 
Trochisci Opii . 
Uva Ursas (powdered leaves) 
Valeriana (in powder) 
Veratria (the alkaloid) 



i fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

\ fl. drm. to 1J- fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. or more. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 
10 min. to \ fl. drm. 
10 min. to -J- fl. drm. 

\ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

i fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. 
10 min. to -J fl. drm. 

4 min. to 40 min. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

i fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
20 min. to 1 fl. drm. 
10 min. to 20 min. 

■J fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. 

^ fl. drm. to 1-J fl. drm. 
10 min. to J fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. (2 oz. 
to 16 oz. of spirit). 

| fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

\ fl. drm. to 1J fl. drm. 

5 min. to 15 min. 
10 min. to 30 min. 
20 gr. to 60 gr. 

20 gr. and upwards. 
one to four or more. 
one to four or more. 
one to four or more. 
one to four or more. 

one to four or more. 
one to four or more. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 
T V gr. to $ gr. 



420 



MATEEIA MEDICA. 



Veratrum Yiride (powdered rhi 

zome) .... 
Yinum Aloes . . 
Yinum Antimoniale (in febrile 

affections) 
Yinum Antimoniale (as an erne 

tic) .... 
Yinum Colchici 
Yinum Ferri 
Yinum Ipecacuanhas (as an ex 

pectorant) 
Yinum Ipecacuanhas (as an erne 

tic) .... 
Yinum Opii 

Yinum Yeratri (Lond. 1851) 
Zinci Acetas 
Zinci Carbonas . 
Zinci Chloridum 
Zinci Oxidum . 
Zinci Sulphas (as a tonic or as 

tringent) 
Zinci Sulphas (as an emetic) 
Zinci Yalerianas 
Zingiber (in powder) 



1 gr. to 3 gr. 

1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. 

10 min. to 30 min. 

J fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. 
10 min. to £ fl. drm. 

1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. 

5 min. to 15 min. 

2 fl. drm. to 6 fl. drm. 
4 min. to 40 min. 

10 min. to 20 min. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. or more, 
i gr. to 1 gr. or 2 gr. 
1 gr. to 5 gr. or more. 

1 gr. to 5 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr, 

i gr. to 3 gr. 
10 gr. to 30 gr. 



TABLE 

Showing the Proportions in which some op the more important 
Drugs of the Pharmacopoeia are contained in the Offi- 
cinal Preparations. 

ANTIMONY. 

(Tartar Emetic.) 

^ gr. of tartarated antimony is contained in 1 fl. drm. of vinum anti- 

morriale. 
1 gr. of tartarated antimony is contained in 5 gr. of unguentum 

antimoniale. 
li g r - °f tartrate of antimony and rotana is contained in 1 fl. dr. of 

syrupus scillae compositus. U. S.] 

(Teroxide of Antimony.) 

1 gr. of oxide of antimony is contained in 3 gr. of pulvis antL 
monialis. 

ARSENIC. 

(Arsenious Acid, White Arsenic.) 

-if gr\ of arsenious acid is contained in 5 min. of liquor arsenicalis. 

(Arseniate of Soda.) 

2 X 4 gr. of arseniate of soda (dried) is contained in 5 min. of liquor 
sodse arseniatis. 

MERCURY. 

(Metallic.) 

1 gr. of mercury is contained in 3 gr. of hydrargyrum cum creta. 

[3 gr. of mercury are contained in 8 gr. of hydrargyrum cum- 
creta. U. S.] 

1 gr. of mercury is contained in 3 gr. of pilula hydrargyri. 

1 gr. of mercury is contained in about 2 gr. of unguentum hydrar- 
gyri- 



422 MATEEIA MEDICA. 

(Calomel.) 

1 gr. of calomel is contained in 5 gr. of pilnla calomelanos com- 
posita. 

[1 gr. of mild chloride of mercury is contained in each pill of the 
pilulas antimonii composites. U. S.] 

1 gr. of calomel is contained in about 6| gr. of unguentum calo- 
melanos. 

ACONITE. 

1 gr. of dried aconite root is contained in about 9 min. of tinc- 

tura aconiti. 
[1 gr. of dried aconite root is contained in rather less than 3 min. 

of tinctura aconiti radicis. U. S.] 

ACONITIA. 

8 gr. of aconitia are contained in 1 oz. of unguentum aconitiae. 

ATROPIA. 
1 gr. of atropia is contained in 2 fl. drm. of liquor atropiae. 
8 gr. of atropia are contained in 1 oz. of unguentum atropine. 

BELLADONNA. 

1 gr. of dried belladonna is contained in about 22 min. of tinctura 
belladonnas. 

[1 gr. of dried belladonna is contained in 8 min. of tinctura bella- 
donna. U. S.] 

Each fluid part of linimentum belladonnas contains the active por- 
tion of a solid part of the dried root. 

CANNABIS INDICA. 

1 gr. of alcoholic extract of Indian hemp is contained in about 
22 min. of tinctura cannabis Indicas. 

CANTHARIDES. 

1 gr. of cantharides is contained in about 88 min. of tinctura can- 

tharidis. 
[1 gr. of cantharides is contained in 32 min. of tinctura canthar- 

idis. U.S.] 

COLCHICUM. 

1 gr. of dried corm of colchicum is contained in about 5\ min. of 
vinum colchici. 



TABLE OF PROPORTIONS OF ACTIVE DRUOS. 423 

[1 gr. of dried corni of colchicum is contained in about 2'f min. of 

vinum colchici radicis. U. S.] 
1 gr. of colchicum seeds is contained in about 9 min. of tinctura 

colchici. 
[1 gr. of colchicum seeds is contained in 8 min. of vinum colchici 

seminis. U. S.] 

DIGITALIS. 

1 gr. of dried leaves of digitalis is contained in about 9 min. of 
tinctura digitalis. 

[l gr. of dried digitalis leaves is contained in 8 min. of tinctura digi- 
talis. TJ. S.] 

HEMLOCK. 

1 gr. of hemlock fruit is contained in about 9 min. of tinctura conii 

fructus. 
[l gr. of dried leaves of conium is contained in 8 min. of tinctura 

conii. U. S.] 

IPECACUAN. 

1 gr. of ipecacuanha root is contained in about 22 min. of vinum 
ipecacuanhas. 

[I gr. of ipecacuanha root is contained in 16 min. of vinum ipe- 
cacuanhas. U. $.] 

1 gr. of ipecacuanha root is contained in twelve morphia and ipe- 
cacuanha lozenges. 

[1 gr. of ipecacuanha is contained in 16 min. of syrupus ipecacu- 
anhas. IT. S.] 

NUX VOMICA. 

1 gr. of nux vomica seed is contained in about 11 min. of tinctura 
nucis vomicae. 

[1 gr. of nux vomica is contained in 4 min. of tinctura nucis vomi- 
cae. U. S.] 

(Strychnia.) 
1 gr. of strychnia is contained in 2 fl. drm. of liquor strychnia?. 

OPIUM. 

(Hydrochlorate of Morphia.) 
i gr. of hydrochlorate of morphia is contained in 30 min. of liquor 
morphias hydrochloratis. 



424 MATEE1A MEDIC A. 

£ gr. of hydroclilorate of morphia is contained in nine morphia 

lozenges. 
^ gr. of hydroclilorate of morphia is contained in nine morphia and 

ipecacuanha lozenges. 

\ gr. of hydroclilorate of morphia is contained in each morphia 

suppository, 
[i gr. of sulphate of morphia is contained in the fl. drm. of liquor 

morphiae sulphatis. II. S.] 

(Opium dried sufficiently to be powdered.) 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 14^ min. of tinctura opii. 
[1 gr. of opium is contained in 12-8 min. of tinctura opii. U. S.] 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 14 J min. of vinum opii. 
[1 gr. of opium is contained in 8 min. of vinum opii. U. S.] 
1 gr. of opium is contained in \ fl. oz. of tinctura camphorse cum 

opio. 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 2 fl. oz. of enema opii. 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 5 gr. of pilula opii (pilula saponis 

cum opii). 
[1 gr. of opium is contained in each pill of pilulae opii and of pilulse 

saponis composita. U. S.] 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 8 gr. of pilula plumbi cum opio. 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 10 gr. of pulvis ipecacuanhas cum 

opio (pulvis ipecacuanhse compositus). 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 20 gr. of pulvis kino cum opio. 
1 gr. of opium is contained in 40 gr. of pulvis cretee aromaticus 

cum opio. 
[1 gr. of opium is contained in 36 gr. of confectis opii. U. S.] 
1 gr. of opium is contained in about 14 J gr. of unguentum gallse 

cum opio. 
1 gr. of opium is contained in ten opium lozenges. 
[1 gr. of opium is contained in twelve troches of liquorice and 

opium. IT. S.] 
1 gr. of opium equals about \ gr. of extractum opii. 
1 gr. of extract of opium is contained in 22 min. of extractum opii 

liquidum. 



GKANULAft EFFEEVESCING SALTS. 425 



GRANULAR EFFERVESCING SALTS. 



Within the last few years medicines have been somewhat exten- 
sively used in the form of granular effervescing powders, prepared 
by a peculiar process. 

Their basis consists of a combination of tartaric and citric acids 
with bicarbonate of soda, reduced to fine powder, and then mixed 
and subjected to heat, by which a mass is formed capable of being 
passed through a coarse sieve, and the mixture is thus made to 
assume a granular form. The citric acid is essential to yield up its 
water of crystallization in order to reduce the whole to a pasty 
condition ; frequent stirring must be employed when the mixed 
powder is heated. 

During this process of granulation, only a small amount of car- 
bonic acid is given off, and hence, when the prepared salts are 
dissolved in water, brisk effervescence ensues. 

Many powerful remedial agents may be united with the mixed 
powder during granulation, and the following are the more impor- 
tant of these preparations. 

The basis itself is called Citro-Tartrate of Soda ; with this 25 per 
cent, of sulphate of magnesia is often mixed to increase the aperient 
action ; and to the same basis the following salts may be united : — 
Citrate of Iron, Citrate of Iron and Quinine, Citrate of Quinine, 
Iodide of Iron, Carbonate of Iron, Citrate of Lithia, Nitrate of 
Potash, Carlsbad, Ptillna, and Vichy Salts in varying proportions. 



I 1ST T> E X . 



Absinthine, 268 
Absinthium, 268 
Acacia, 220 
Acetate of Copper, 77 

— of Lead, 112 

— of Morphia, 171 

— of Potash, 119 

— of Soda, 134 

— of Zinc, 145 
Acetum (Britannicum), 29 

— (Gallicum), 29 

— Cantharidis, 382 

— Scillas, U. S., 347 
Acid, Aconitic, 161 

— Benzoic, 277 

— Boracic, 30 

— Calumbic, 166 

— Carbolic, 158 

— Carbonic, 30 

— , Cephaelic, 262 

— Cetraric, 364 

— Cevadic, 355 

— Chrysammic, 349 

— Chrysolepic, 349 

— ChiTSophanic, 306 

— Cincho-tannic, 251 

— Cinnamic, 212,310 

— Cocculinic, 168 

— Colophonic, 332 

— Copaivic, 219 

— Crotonic, 317 

— Ellagic, 325 

— Eugenic, 232 

— Gallic, 324 

— Guaiacic, 193 

— Igasuric, 283 

— Ipecacuanha, 262 

— Jalapic, 291 

— Hemidesmic, 285 

— Kinic, 251 

— Kiuovic, 251 

— Meconic, 173 

— Mueic, 221 

— Myristic, o09 

— Ofeic, 328 

— Oxalic, 44 

— Piruaric, 331 

— Pinic, 331 

— Polychromic, 349 



Acid, Pyrethric, 268 

— Pyrogallic, 325 

— Ricinic 317 

— Stearic, 368 

— Strychnic, 282 

— Sumbulic, 247 

— Sylvic, 332 

— Tannic, 324 

— Valerianic, 265 

— Vera trie, 352 
Acida, 4, 27 
Acidum, Aceticum, 27 

— — dihitum, 28 

— — glaciale, 29 

— Arseniosum, 62 

— Benzoicura, 277 

— Carbonicum, 30 

— Citricum, 31 

— Gallicum, 324 

— Hydrochloricum, 32 

— — dilutum, 32 

— Hydrocyanicum, 32 

— — dilutum, 33 

— Hydrosulphuricum, 36 

— Muriaticum, 31 

— Mtricum, 36 

— — dilutum, 37 

— Ni fro -Hydrochloricum dilu- 

tum, 37 

— Mtro-Muriaticum, 37 

— Oxalicum, 44 

— Phosphoricum dilutum, 38 

— Sulphuricum, 39 

— — aromaticnm, 40 

— — dilutum, 40 

— Sulphurosum, 42 

— Tannicum, 324 

— Tartaricum, 43 
Aconella, 161 
Aconiti Radix, 161 
Aconitia, 161 
Aconitina, 161 
Aconitum, 160 
Actsea Racemosa, 165 
Adeps Prseparatus, 372 
^Erugo, 76 

./Ether, 149, 150 
vEther Sulphuricus, 149 
Alcohol, 146 



428 



INDEX. 



Alcohol Amylic, 156 
Allspice, 283 
Almond Oil, 227 
Aloe Barbadensis, 347 

— Socotrina, 347 
Aloes, 346 
Aloine, 349 
Althaea, 189 
Alum, 53 
Alumen, 53 

— exsiccatum, 54 
Aluminium 53 
Amidin, 357 
Ammonia, 44 

Ammonise Acetatis Liquor, 50 

— Benzoas, 51 

— Bicarbonas, 48 

— Carbonas, 46 

— Hydrocbloras, 48 

— Hydro-Sulphuretum, 51 

— Liquor, 44 

— — Fortior, 44 

— Murias, 45 

— Oxalas, 51 

— Phosphas, 52 

— Sesquicarbonas, 46 

— Sulphas, 51 
Ammoniacum, 240 
Ammonio-Chloride of Iron, 88 

— — of Mercury, 99 

— Citrate of Iron, 89 

— Sulphate of Copper, 76 
Ammonium, Bromide, 53 

— Iodide, 53 
Amygdala (Jordanica), 227 
Amygdaline, 228, 229 
Amylum, 359 
Anethum, 245 
Angustura, 200 
Anisum, 242 

An the mis, 270 
Antimonial Wine, 57 

— Powder, 58 

— Oxysulphuretum, 55 
Antimonii Oxidum, 58 

— Potassio-Tartras, 57 

— Sulphuretum aureum, 55 

— — precipitatum, 55 

— Terchloridi Liquor, 58 
Antimonium, 54 

— Sulphuratum, 55 

— Tartarum, 57 
Antimony, 54 
Antimony, sulphuret of, 55 
Aqua, 24 

— Anethi, 245 

— Carui, 244 

— Camphorse, 311 

— Cinnamomi, 310 

— Destillata, 25 



Aqua, Floris Aurantii, 192 

— Foeniculi, 242 

— Lauro-Cerasi, 229 

— Menthse Piperita?, 303 

— Mentha? Viridis, 304 

— Pimentse, 234 

— Rosse, 225 

— Sambuci. 246 
Aquae, 4 

— Minerales, 25 
Arabine, 209, 220 
Argentum, 59 
Argenti Nitras, 59 

__ _ Crystalli, 59 

— Oxidum, 60 
Aricina, 253 
Armoracia, 185 
Arnica, 273 

Aromatic Confection, 72 
Arsenicum, 62 
Arsenic, 62 
Arsenici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis 

Liquor, 65 
Arsenite of Quinine, 254 
Asagraea officinalis, 354 
Asarum, 315 
Assafoetida, 239 
Atropia, 292 
Atropine, 292 
Attar of Roses, 224 
Aurantii Cortex, 191 

— Floris Aqua, 200 
Auri Pulvis, 66 

Auri Tercbloridum, 66 
Auri Teroxidum, 66 
Aurum, 66 
Avena, 359 

Bael, 194 

Balsamum Canadense, 334 

— Peruvianum, 211 

— Tolutatum, 218 
Bang, 329 

Barii Chloridum, 66 
Barium, 66 
Barley, 358 
Barosma, 199 
Bassorine, 208 
Bay (sweet), 313 
BebeeruPark, 313 
Beberia, 313 

Beberiee Sulphate, 313, 314 
Bela, 194 
Belladonna, 292 
Benzoin, 277 
Benzoinum, 277 
Berberine, 163, 166 
Bibirine, 313 
Bi-borate of Soda, 136 
Bichloride of Platina, 111 



INDEX. 



429 



Bile (Ox), 370 

Bismuth, 6*7 

Bismuthi Nitras, 6V 

Bismuthum, 67 

~ Album, 67 
— Subnitras, 67 

Bone Black, 15 

Boracic Acid, 30 

Borax, 136 

Borndeue, 265 

Borneo Camphor, 312 

Brandy, 147 

Bread (Wheaten), 358 

Broom, 210 

Bromine, 22 

Brominium, 22 

Brucia, 282 

Bucco, 200 

Buchu, 200 

Buckthorn Juice, 204 

Burnett's Solution, 144 

Burnt Alum, 55 



Cade, Oil of, 337 
Cadmium, 69 

— Iodide of, 69 

— Sulphate of, 69 
Caffeine, 264 

Cajeput, 233 

— Oil, 233 
Calabar Bean, 213 
Calamine, 143 
Calamina Prseparata, 143 
Calcii Chloridum, 71 

— Solution of, 72 

Calcis Carbonas Preecipitata, 71 

— Chloratse Liquor, 72 

— Hydras, 70 

— Liquor, 70 

— — Saccharatus, 70 

— Phosphas Prsecipitata, 73 
Calcium, 69 

Calomel, 96 
Calumba, 161 
Calumbic Acid, 161 
Calumbine, 161 
Calx, 69 

— Chlorata, 72 
Cambogia, 195 
Camphor, 311 

— Borneo, 312 
Canada Balsam, 334 
Canella, 196 
Cannabin, 329 
Cannabis Indica, 329 
Canthari.dine, 381 
Cantharis, 381 
Capsicin, 299 
Capsicum, 299 



Carbo (Carbon), 15 

— Animalis, 15 

— — Purificatus, 16. 

— Ligni, 15 
Carbolic Acid, 158 
Carbonate of Bismuth, 68 
Cardamomum, 340 
Cardamoms, 340 
Carmine, 380 

Carota, 245 
Carotine, 245 
Carraway, 244 
Carrot, 245 
Carui, 244 
Carvene, 244 
Carvol, 244 
Caryophilli Oleum, 231 
Caryophilline, 232 
Caryophyllum, 231 
Cascarilla, 316 
Cassia, 218 
Castor, 366 
Castor Oil, 317 
Castoreum, 366 
Cataplasma Carbonis, 15 

— Conii, 238 

— Fermenti, 149 

— Lini, 189 

— Sinapis, 183 

— Sodas Chloratse, 184 
Cataplasmata, 4 

Catechin, 211, 223 
Catechu, 222 
Cathartine, 216 
Cedron, 203 
Centaurium, 288 
Cera Alba, 379 

— Flava, 379 
Ceratum Calaminse, 162 
Cerevisise Fermentum, 148 
Cerine, 379 

Cerium, 74 

— Oxide of, 74 

— Oxalate of, 74 
Ceroleine, 379 
Cetaceum, 372 
Cetin, 373 
Cetraria, 364 
Cevadilla, 354 
Chalk, Prepared, 72 

— Mixture, 72 
Chamomile, 270 
Charcoal, 15 
Cherry Laurel, 229 
Chilli, 299 
Chimaphila, 274 
Chirata, 287 
Chiretta, 287 
Chloride of Barium, 66 

— of Calcium, 71 



430 



JGSTDEX. 



Chloride of Mercury, 96 

— of Sodium, 139 

— • of Zinc, 142 
Chloroform, 152 
Chloroformum, 152 
Chloric Ether, 153 
Chlorinated Lime, 73 
Chlorine, 32 

Chlori Liquor, 33 
Christmas Rose, 169 
Churrus, 329 
Cinchona, 247 

— Cinerea, 251 

— Flava, 247 
Pallida, 247 

— Rubra, 247 
Cinchonia, 252 
Cinchonise Sulpha?, 254 
Cinchonidine, 252 
Cinchonidinse Sulphas, 254 
Cinchonine, 252 
Cinnabar, 104 
Cinnamon, 310 
Cinnainomum, 309 
Cinnamyl, Hydride of, 309 
Cissarnpeline, 168 

Citrate of Iron and Quinine, 90 

Cloves, 232 

Cocculus Indicus, 169 

Coccus, 380 

Cochineal, 380 

Cod Liver Oil, 374 

Codeia, 171 

Colchicine, 355 

Colchicum, 355 

Collodion, 191 

Colocyuthine, 235 

Colocynthis, 235 

Coiumbo root, 166 

Confectio Amygdalae, 228 

— Aromatioa, 71 

— Piperis, 319 

— Rosse, 224 

— — Caninse, 226 

— Scammonii, 289 

— Sennas, 216 

— iSulphuris, 17 

— Terebinthinse, 231 
Confectiones, 5 

Conia, 237 
Conium, 237 
Coniic Acid, 238 
Conii Fructus, 237 
Copaiba, 219 
Copaibas Oleum, 219 
Copper, 75 

— Ammonio-Sulphate, Solution 

of, 76 

— Subacetate of (of commerce), 76 
Cordyceps Purpurea, 360 



Coriander Seeds, 243 
Coriandrum, 243 
Cornu, 368 

— Datum, 368 
Corrosive Sublimate, 98 
Cortex Winteri, 167 
Cotton Wool, 190 
Cowhage, 209 

Cream of Tartar, 121 
Creosote, 156 
Creosotum, 156 
Creta Prseparata, 72 
Crocus, 341 
Croton, 316 

— Casearilla, 316 

— Tiglium, 316 
Cubeba, 320 
Cubebine, 320 
Cumin, 243 
Cuprum, 7 5 

Cupri Ammonio-Sulphas, 76 

— Subacetas Venalis, 7(5 

— Sulphas, 75 

: — Sulphas Venalis, 75 
Curcuma, 339 
Cusparia, 200 
Cusparine, 200 
Cusso, 231 
Cydonium, 227 
Cyminum, 243 
Cynanchum Argel, 216 



Damask Rose, 224 

Dandelion, 271 

Daphnin, 315 

Datura Stramonium, 295 

Daturia, 295 

Decocta, 5 

Decoctions, 5 

Decoctum Aloes Compositum, 350 

— Cetrarise, 364 

— Chirnaphilse, 274 

— Cinchonas JBlavse, 256 

— Cydonii, 227 

— Granati Radicis, 234 

— Hasmatoxyli, 214 

— Hordei, 359 

— Papaveris, 169 

— Pareiras, 168 

— Quercus, 323 

— Sarsse, 344 

— — Compositum, 344 

— Scoparii, 210 

— Taraxaci, 271 

— Ulmi, 322 
Digitalis, 299 
Digitaline, 299 
Distilled Water, 25 
Dog Rose, 226 



INDEX. 



431 



Donovan's Solution, 65 
Dulcamara. 292 
Dulcamarine, 292 



Egg, 373 
Elaterium, 236 
Elaterine, 237 
Elder-Flower, 247 
Elecampane, 265 
Elemi, 207 
Elm Bark, 322 
Eleoptene, 242 
Emetina, 262 

Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hy- 
drargvro, 92 

— Belladonna?, 293 

— Calefaciens, 381 

— Canthariclis, 382 

— Ferri, 85 

— Galbani, 240 

— Hydrargyri, 92 

— Lithargyri, 112 

— Picis, 335 

— Plumbi, 112 

— Resina?, 332 

— Saponis, 280 
Enema Aloes, 349 

— Assafoet.ida?, 239 

— Magnesia? Sulphatis, 109 

— Opii, 173 

— Tabaci, 298 

— Terebinthina?, 331 
Epsom Salts, 109 
Ergot (of Rye). 360 
Ergota, 860 

Ergot iDe, 361 
Erucic Acid, 184 
Ether, 151, 152 
Euphorbium, 319 
Extracta, 5 
Extracts, 5 
Extractum Aconiti, 161 

— Aloes Socotrinse, 350 

— Aloes Barbadensis, 849 

— Anthemidis, 270 

— Bela? Liquidum, 194 

— Belladonnas, 293 

— Calumba?, 166 

— Cannabis Indica?, 329 

— Cinchonas Flava? Li- 

qnidum, 256 

— Colchici, 356 

— — Aceticum, 856 

— Colocynthidis Composi- 

tum, 235 

— Conii, 238 

— Ergota? Liquidum, 361 

— Filicis Liquidum, 3(34 

— Gentian se, 287 



Extractum Glycyrrhizas, 208 

— Haematoxyli, 215 

— Hyoscyami, 297 

— Jalupa?, 291 

— Krameria?, 187 

— Lupuli, 330 

— Nucis Vomicae, 282 

— Opii, 174 

— Opii Liquidum, 174 

— Pareira? Liquidum, 167 

— Quassia?, 202 

— Rhei, 306 

— Sarsa? Liquidum, 344 

— Stramonii, 295 

— Taraxaci, 271 



Faba Sancti Ignatii, 284 

Farina, 356 

Fel Bovinum Purificatum, 370 

Fer Reduit, 77 

Fern (Male Shield), 363 

Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum, 87 

— Arsenias, 82 

— Carbonas Saccharata, 78 

— et Amuionise Citras, 89 

— Sulphas, 89 

— — Tartras, 89 

— et Quinia? Citras, 90 

— Iodidum, 79 

— Oxidum Magneticum, 84 

— — Nigrum, 84 

— Perchloridi Liquor, 86 

— Pernitratis Liquor, 86 

— Peroxiclum, 85 

— — Hydratum, 85 

— Phosphas, 83 

— Potassio-Tartras, 89 

— Pulvis, 77 

— Sulphas, 80 

— — Exsiccata, 80 

— — Granulata, 80 

— Valerian as, 268 
Ferridcyanide of Potassium, 130 
Ferrocyanide of Potassium, 130 
Ferrum Redactum, 77 
Ferrum, 77 

— Tartaratum, 89 
Ficus, 328 
Fig, 328 
Filix, 363 
Flax, 188 

Flour, Wheaten, 358 
Flowers of Sulphur, 16 
Foeniculum, 243 
Fousel Oil, 156 
Foxglove, 299 
Frankincense, 335 
Fraxinus Excelsior, 252- 
Friar's Balsam, 283 



432 



INDEX. 



Galbanum, 240 

Galla, 323 

Gamboge, 195 

Gambogic Acid, 195 

Gentian, 286 

Gentianin, 287 

Ginger, 338 

Glauber's Salts, 134 

Glycerine, 278 

Glycerinum, 2*78 

Glycyrrhiza, 208 

Glycyrrhizene, 208 

Gold, 66 

Gossypiura, 189 

Granatum, 234 

Granati Radix, 234 

Granular Effervescing Salts, 425 

Gregory's Powder, 307 

Guaiaci Lignum, 197 

Guaiacum, 197 

Gualtheria, 276 

Gum Arabic, 198 

Gun Cotton, 191 

Gunjah, 329 



Hematoxylins, 215 \, 
Hasmatoxylum, 214 
Hartshorn, 368 
Hashish, 329 
Helenine, 269 
Hellebore (White), 352 
— (Green), 353 
Helleborin, 164 
Helleborus, 164 
Hemidesmus Indicus, 285 
Hemlock, 237 
Hemp (Indian), 329 
Henbane, 297 

Hepar Sulphuris, 129 , 

Hesperidine, 193 
Hiera Picra, 194 
Hirudo, 384 
Honey, 378 
Hops, 330 
Hordeum, 359 
Horehound, 304 
Horn, 36-2 

— (burnt), 362 
Horseradish 185 
Humulin, 330 
Hydrargyri Ammonio-Chloridum, 99 

— Chloridum (Corrosive 

Sublimate, 100 

— lodidum Rubrum, 100 
_ _ Viride, 100 

— Mtratis Liquor Acidus, 102 

— Mtrico-Oxidum, 101 

— Oxidum Rubrum, 101 

— Prascipitatum Album, 99 



Hydrargyri Subchloridum (Calomel), 
96 
— Sulphuretum, 103 

Hydrargyrum, 92 

— Ammoniatum, 99 

— Corrosivum Sublima- 

tum, 96 

— cum Creta, 92 
Hydrate of Potash, 117 
Hydrogen, 14 

— Peroxide of, 14 

— Sulphuretted, 36 
Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia, 51 
H} 7 drosulphuric Acid, 36 
Hyoscyamia, 297 
Hyoscyamus, 297 
Hyposulphite of Soda, 135 



Iceland Moss, 364 
Ichthyocolla, 374 
Igasuria, 282 
Illicium Anisatum, 166 
Indian Bael, 194 

— Sarsaparilla, 285 
Indigo, 223 
Indigotin, 223 
Infusa, 7 
Infusions, 7 
Infusum Anthemidis, 270 

— Aurantii, 191 

— Bucco, 200 

— Calumbae, 166 

— Caryophylli, 232 

— Cascarillas, 316 

— Catechu, 223 

— Chiratas, 288 

— Cinchonas Flavas, 255 

— Cusparias, 201 

— Cusso, 232 

— Digitalis, 300 

— Dulcamaras, 292 

— Ergotas, 361 

— Gentianas, 237 

— Kramerise, 187 

— Lini, 189 

— Lupuli, 330 

— Matico, 321 

— Quassias, 202 

— Rhei, 306 

— Rosas Acidum, 225 

— Senegas, 186 

— Sennas, 217 

— Serpentarias, 315 

— Uvas Ursi, 275 

— Valerianas, 265 
Introduction, 1 

Inula, 270 
Inulin, 270 
Iodide of Iron, 80 



INDEX. 



433 



Iodide of Lead, 112 

— of Sulphur, 22 
Iodine, 19 
Iodum, 19 
Ipecacuanha, 262 
Iron, 77 
Iron Wire, 77 
Isinglass, 374 
Ivory Black, 15 



Jalap, 290 
Jalapin, 290 
James's Powder, 58 
Janipha Manihot, 319 
Jordan Almonds, 227 
Juices, 8 
Juniperus, 336 



Kamela, 318 
Kino, 210 
Koussine, 231 
Kousso, 231 ' 
Krameria, 187 
Krameric Acid, 187 
Kreosote, 157 



Lacmus, 365 
Lactin, 369 
Lactose, 369 
Lactuca, 272 
Lactucarium, 272 
Lactucerine, 272 
Lard, 373 
Laudanum, 174 
Lauro-Cerasus, 229 
Laurus, 313 

— Nobilis, 313 
Lavender, 302 
Lead, 111 
Leech, 384 
Lemon Peel, 193 

— Juice, 193 
Lichen Islandicus, 364 
Lichenin, 364 
Lignum Vitse, 197 
Lime, 69 

— Water, 69 
Limonis Cortex, 192 

— Oleum, 193 

— Succus, 193 
Lini Farina, 188 

— Oleum, 188 

— Semen, 189 
Linimenta, 7 
Liniments, 7 
Linimentum Aconiti, 161 

— Ammonia?, 44 

29 



Linimentum Belladonna?, 294 

— Calcis, 70 

— Camphora?, 279, 311 

— — Compositum, 311 

— Cantharidis, 382 

— Chloroformi, 153 

— Crotonis, 317 

— Hydrargyri, 93 

— Iodi, 20 

— Opii, 175 

— Saponis, 280 

— Terebinthina?, 331 

— — Aceticum, 331 
Linseed, 188 

— Oil, 188 
Linum Cartharticum, 189 
Liquor Ammonia?, 45 

— — Acetafcis, 50 

— — Fortior, 44 

— Antimonii Terchloridi, 58 

— Arsenicalis, 63 

— Atropia?, 294 

— Calcis, 70 

— — Chlorata?, 73 

— — Saccharatus, 70 

— Chlori, 24 

— Ferri Perchloridi, 86 

— — Pernitratis, 87 

— — Subsulphatis, 88 

— Hydrargyri Mtratis Acidus, 

102 

— Morphia? Hydrochloratis, 176 

— Plumbi Subacetatis, 113 

— — — dilutus, 113 

— Potassa?, 115 

— — Permanganatis, 125 

— Soda?, 131 

— — Arseniatis, 65 

— — Chlorata?, 138 

— — Strychnia?, 283 
Liquores, 8 

Liquorice, 208 
Litharge, 112 
Lithia, 105 
Lithia? Carbonas, 105 

— Citras, 106 
Lithium, 105 
Litmus, 365 

— (tincture), 365 
Liverwort, 365 
Lobelia, 273 
Lobelina, 273 
Logwood, 213 
Lozenges, 10 
Lupuline, 330 
Lupulite, 330 
Lupulus, 330 

Lytta Yesicatoria, 382 

Magnesia, 106 



434 



INDEX. 



Magnesia Levis, 107 
Magnesiae Carbonas, 107 

— — Levis, 107 

— — Ponderosum, 108 

— Sulphas, 109 
Mandrake, 163 
Manganese, 111 
Manganesii Binoxidum, 111 
Manna, 281 

Mannite, 281 
Maranta, 341 
Margarine, 372 
Marjoram (Common), 304 
Marrubium Vulgare, 304 
Marshmallow, 189 
Mastiche, 204 
Masticine, 204 
Matico, 320 
Meconic Acid, 171 
Meconine, 172 
Mel, 378 

— Boracis, 138 

— Depuratum, 379 

— Rosae, 164 
Menispermine, 168 
Mentha Piperita, 303 

— Viridis, 304 
Menyanthes Trifoliata, 288 
Mereury, 92 
Mezereum, 315 

Mistura Ammoniaci, 242 

— Amygdalae, 228 

— Camphorae, 311 

— Creosoti, 157 

— Cretae, 72 

— Ferri Comp., 80 

— Guaiaci, 198 

— Scammonii, 289 

— Spiritus Vini Gallici, 147 
Momordicine, 237 
Monkshood, 160 

Moms, 32S 
Morphia, 171 
Morphiae Acetas, 171 

— Hydrochloras, 170, 171, 176 
Moschus, 367 

Morrhuae Oleum, 375 
Mountain Damson, 202 
Mulberry, 328 
Musk, 367 
Musk-root, 246 
Mucilago Acaciae, 221 

— Amyli, 359 

— Tragacantha, 209 
Mucuna, 208 

Mustard, Black, 183 

— White, 183 
Myricine, 379 
Myristica, 308 
Myristicae Adeps, 308 



Myronic Acid, 182 
Myrosine, 182 
Myrrh, 205 
Myrrha, 205 



Nakcotine, 172 
Narceine, 172 
Nectandria Rodiaei, 303 
Nicolytia, 297 
Nicotiana Tabacum, 298 
Nicotina, 298 
Nicotianin, 298 
Nitrate of Bismuth, 67 

— of Silver, 59 
Nitre, 124 
Nitrogen, 14 
Nitro-muriatic Acid, 37 
Nitrous Ether, 151 
Nut-gall, 324 
Nux Vomica, 282 



Oak (Common), 323 
Oil of Bays, 313 

— of Cade, 337 

— of Male Fern, 364 

— of Vitriol, 39 
Ointments, 10 
Oleine, 368 

Oleum Amygdalae, 227 

— Anethi, 245 

— Anisi, 242 
Anthemidis, 270 

— Cadinum, 334 

— Cajuputi, 233 

— Carui, 244 

— Caryophylli, 232 

— Cinnamomi, 309 

— Copaibae, 219 

— Coriandri, 245 

— Crotonis, 317 

— Foeniculi, 243 

— Juniperi, 386 

— Lavandulae, 302 

— Menthae Piperita*., 304 

— — Viridis, 304 

— Morrhuae, 375 

— Myristicae, 308 

— Olivae, 278 

— Pimentae, 279 

— Pulegii, 304 

— Pacini, 317 

— Rosae, 225 

— Rosmarini, 302 

— Rutae, 199 

— Sabinae, 338 

— Terebinthinae, 381 
Olibanum, 207 



INDEX. 



435 



Opianine, 172 

Opium, 170 

Opoponax, 240 

Orange-flower Water, 192 

Orange Peel, 191 

Origanum Vulgare, 304 

Ovi Albumen, 373 

— Vitellus, 373 

Ovum, 373 

Ox Bile, 370 

Oxalate of Ammonia, 5 1 

Oxalic Acid, 44 

Oxide of Silver, 61 

Oxygen, 13 

Oxymel, 29, 378 

Oxysulphuret of Antimony, 55 

Ozone, 13 



Panis, 358 

Papaver, 169 

— Rhoeas, 182 
Papaverina, 171 
Parana orphia, 172 
Paregoric Elixir, 175 
Pareira, 167 
Pectin, 183 
Pelosine, 167 
Pennyroyal, 304 
Pepsina, 371 
Petroleum, 158 
Peruvine, 212 
Phosphorus, 18 
Phosphate of Lime, 74 

— of Soda, 136 m 

Picrotoxine, 169 
Pilula Aloes, Barbadensis, 349 

— — Socotrinse, 350 

— — et Assafcetidae, 239 

— — et Myrrhse, 206 

— — Antimonii Composita?, 

U. S., 97 

— Assafoetidse Composita, 239 

— Calomelanos Composita, 97 

— Cambogise Comp., 195 

— Catharticfe Composite, U. S., 237 

— Colocynthidis Comp., 235 

— — et Hyoscyami, 236 

— Ferri Carbonatis, 79 

— — Iodidi, 80 

— Hydrargyri, 92 

— Opii, 174 

— Plumbi cum Opio, 174 

— Rhei Comp., 306 

— Scillse Comp., 346 
Pimenta, 233 
Pimento, 233 

Piper Angustifolium, 320 

— Cubeba, 320 

— Longum, 319 



Piper Nigrum, 319 
Piperine, 319 
Pitch, 336 
Pix, 336 

— Burgundica, 334 

— Liquida, 335 
Plaster of Paris, 74 
Platinum, 1 10 
Plumbum, 111 
Plumbi Acetas, 112 

— Carbon as, 114 

— Iodidum, 112 

— Oxidum, 111 
Pcdophilli Resina, 163 
Podophylline, 163 
Podophyllum, 163 
Polygamic Acid, 186 
Pomegranate, 234 
Porphyroxine, 172 
Posological Table, 404 
Potash, 117 

— Bichromate of, 128 
Potassa, Caustica, 117 

— Sulphurata, 129 
Potassse Acetas, 119 

— Bicarbonas, 118 

— Bitartras, 122 

— Carbonas, 118 

— Chloras, 125 

— Hydras, 117 

— Liquor, 115 

— Mtras, 124 

— Permanganas, 125 

— Sulphas, 122 

— Tartras, 121 

— Acida, 122 
Potassii Bromidum, 128 

— Ferrocyanidum, 130 

— Iodidum, 127 

— Sulphuretum, 129 
Potassio tartrate of Antimony, 56 

— of Iron, 90 

Potassium, 115 
Poultices, 4 

Precipitated Sulphur, 17 
Prepared Chalk, 71 
Prunum, 229 
Prunus Yirginiana, 230 
Prussic Acid, 33 
Pterocarpus, 210 
Pulvis Amygdala? Compositus, 228 

— Antimonialis, 58 

— Aromaticus, 310 

— Catechu Compositus, 223 

— Cinnamomi Comp., 310 

— Cretee Aromaticus, 72 

— — cum Opio, 73, 174 

— Ipecacuanhas cum Opio, 174 

— Jalapffi Comp., 291 

— Kino cum Opio, 174 



436 



INDEX. 



Pulvis Rhei Comp., 307 

— Scammonii Corap., 290 

— Tragacanthae Comp., 209 
Pulegium, 304 

Punicine, 234 
Pyre thrum, 268 
Pyroxylin, 190 



Quassia, 202 
Quassine, 202 
Quercus, 323 
Quicksilver, 92 
Quince, 227 
Quinia, 251 
Quinise Sulphas, 253 
Quinidine, 252 
Quinidinse Sulphas, 255 



Rectified Spirit, 146 
Red Cinchonic, 251 
Reduced Iron, 77 
Resin, 331 
Resin of Jalap, 290 

— of Scammony, 2S8 
Rhamni Succus, 203 
Rhamnine, 203 
Rhatany, 187 

Rheine, 306 

Rheum, 305 

Rhceas, 182 

Rhubarb, 305 

Rhus Toxicodendron, 206 

Rochelle Salt, 140 

Rosa Canina, 226 

— Centifolia, 224 

— Gallica, 225 
Rose Water, 225 
Rosemary, 302 
Ruta, 199 
Rutse Oleum, 199 

Sabadilla, 354 

Sabadillina, 354 

Sabina, 337 

Saccharated Solution of Lime, 63 

Saccharum Album, 362 

Saccharum Lactis, 369 

Saccharine Carbonate of Iron, 78 

Saffron, 341 

Sagapenum, 241 

Sago, 345 

Sal Ammoniac, 4S 

— Volatile, 47 

Salicine, 321 

Salix, 321 

Sambucus, 247 

Sandal Wood, 210 

Sanguinaria, 183 



Saunders' Wood, 210 
Santalin, 210 
Santonica, 269 
Santonin, 269 
Santonicum, 269 
Sapo Durus, 279 
— Mollis, 279 
Sarsa, 342 
Sarsaparilla, 342 
Sassafras, 312 
Sassafrin, 312 
Savine, 337 

Scammoniaj Radix, 288 
— Resina, 288 
Scammonium, 2SS 
Scainmony, 283 
Scilla, 346 
Scillitine, 346 
Scoparine, 210 
Scoparius, 209 
Secale Cornutum, 360 
Senega, 186 
Senegin, 186 
Senna Alexaudriua, 215 

— Indica, 215 
Serpentaria, 314 
Sevum prseparatum, 36S 
Sherry, 148 

Silver, 59 

— Chloride of, 62 
Simaruba, 202 
Sinapine, 184 
Sinapis, 183 
Smilacin, 344 

Soda Caustica, 132 
Sodse Acetas, 135 

— Arsenias, 64 

— Biboras, 137 

— Bicarbonas, 133 

— Carbonas, 132 

— Carbonas Exsiccata, 133 

— Chlorataj Liquor, 138 

— et Potassaj Tartras, 140 

— Hyposulphis, 135 

— Liquor, 13 1 

— Nitras, 136 

— Nitris, 136 

— Phosphas, 136 

— Sulphas, 134 

— Sulphis, 134 
Sodii Chloridum, 139 
Sodium, 131 

Solution of Acetate of Copper, 386 

— — of Potash, 386 
— of Soda, 387 

— of Albumen, • 387 

— of Ammonio-nitrate of Silver, 

387 

— of Ammonio-sulphate of Cop- 

per, 388 



INDEX. 



437 



Solution of Ammonio-sulphate of Mag- 
nesia, 388 

— of Bichloride of Platinum, 389 

— of Boracic Acid, 389 

— of Bromine, 389 

— of Carbonate of Ammonia, 390 

— of Chloride of Barium, 390 

— — of Calcium, 390 

— (Saturated) of Chloride of Cal- 

cium, 391 

— of Chloride of Tin, 391 

— of Corrosive Sublimate, 391 

— of Ferridcyanide of Potassium, 

392 

— of Ferrocyanide of Potassium, 

392 

— of Gelatine, 892 

— of Hydrochlorate of Ammonia, 

393 

— of Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia, 

393 

— of Iodate of Potash, 394 

— of Iodide of Potassium, 395 

— of Oxalate of Ammonia, 395 

— of Persulphate of Iron, 87 

— of Phosphate of Soda, 395 

— of Subsulphate of Iron, 88 

— of Sulphate of Indigo, 306 

— —of Iron, 396 

— — of Lime, 396 

— of Tartaric Acid, 397 

— of Terchloride of Gold, 397 

— (Volumetric) of Bichromate of 

Potash, 400 

— (Volumetric) of Hyposulphite 

of Soda, 401 

— (Volumetric) of Iodine, 402 

— (Volumetric) Mtrate of Silver, 

402 

— (Volumetric) Oxalic Acid, 400 
(Volumetric) Soda, 399 

Solania, 292 
Spanish Fly, 381 
Sparteine, 210 
Spermaceti, 373 
Spigelia, 285 
Spirit of Mindererus, 50 

— (Sweet) of Mtre, 151 
Spirits, 8 

Spiritus, 8 

— Athens, 150 

— — Nitrici, 151 

— — Mtrosi, 151 

;•••": — Ammonia? Aromaticus, 47 

— Armoracia? Compositus, 185 

— Cajuputi, 233 

— Camphors, 311 

— Chloroformi, 153 

— Juniperi, 336 , 

— Lavandulae, 302 



Spiritus Mentha? Piperita?, 304 
Myristicse, 309 

— Pyroxylicus Rectificatus, 14S 

— Rectificatus, 146 

— Rosmarina, 302 

— Tenuior, 147 

— Vini Gallici, 147 
Sponge, 385 

Spongia Officinalis, 385 

— Usta, 385 
Stannum, 141 

Stanni Protochloridum, 141 

Staphisagria, 164 

Star Anise, 166 

Starch, 358 

Stearine, 368 

Stearoptene, 242 

Steel Wine, 90 

Storax, 276 

Stramonii, Folium et Semina, 295 

St. Ignatius' Bean, 283 

Strychnia, 283 

Styracine, 212, 276 

Styrol, 276 

Styrax Prseparata, 276 

Styrone, 212, 276 

Sublimed Sulphur, 16 

Succi, 8 

Succus Conii, 238 

— Limonis, 193 

— Mori, 328 

— Scoparii, 210 

— Taraxaci, 271 
Suet, 368 

Sugar of Lead, 112 

— of Milk, 369 

Sulphate of Alumina and Potash, 53 

— of Copper, 75 

— of Lime, 74 

— of Mercury, 104 

— of Magnesia, 109 

— of Potash, 122 

— of Soda, 134 

— of Zinc, 144 
Sulphite of Soda, 134 
Sulpho-sinapisin, 184 
Sulphur, 17 

- — Lotum, 16 

— Prsecipitatum, 17 

— Sublimatum, 16 
Sulphur et of Ammonium, 51 

— of Antimony, 55 
Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 36, 394 
Sulphuric Acid, 39 
Sulphuris Iodidum, 22 
Sulphurous Acid, 42 
Sumbul, 246 
Suppositoria, 9 

— Morphia?, 176 

— Acidi Tannic! 326 



438 



INDEX. 



Suppositories, 9 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre, 151 

Syrupus, 362 

— Althaa. 189 

— Aurantii, 192 

— — Floris, 192 

— Ferri Iodidii, 80 

— — Phosphatis, 84 

— Hemidesmi, 285 

— Limonis, 193 

— Mori, 328 

— Papaveris, 169 

— Rhamni, 204 

— Rhceados, 182 

— Ilosa Gallica, 225 

— Scilla, 346 

— Scilla Compositus, U. S., 347 

— Senna?, 217 

— Tolutanus, 213 

— Viola. 185 

— Ziugiberis, 339 

Tabacum, 297 

Table of strength of important medi- 
cines, xxvii 

Tamarindus, 218 

Tannin, 324 

Tapioca, 318 

Tar, 335 

Taraxacum, 271 

Taraxacine, 271 

Tartar Emetic, 56 

— — Ointment, 57 

Tartaric Acid, 43 

Tartrate of Potash, 120 

Terebinthina, 331 

— Canadensis, 334 

— Chia, 204 

— Yeneta, 338 
Thebaia, 173 
Theriaca, 363 

Thorn Apple, 295 
Thus Ainericanum, 334 
Tin, 141 
Tinctura Aconiti, 161 

— Actaa Racemosa, 165 

— Aloes, 350 

— Arnicse, 273 

— Assafoetida, 240 

— Aurantii, 192 

— Belladonna, 293 

— Benzoini Comp., 277 

— Bucco, 200 ' 

— Calumbse, 167 

— Camphora cum Opio, 175, 312 

— Cannabis Indicse, 329 

— Cantharidis, 382 

— Capsici, 299 

— Cardamomi Comp., 340 

— Cascarilla, 316 

— Castor ei, 366 



Tinctura Catechu, 223 

— Chirata, 288 

— Cinchona Comp., 257 

— — Flava, 256 

— Cinnamomi, 310 

— Cocci, 380 

— Colchici Seminis, 358 

— Conii Fructus, 238 

— Croci, 342 

— Digitalis,300. 

— Ergota, 361 

— Ferri Ammonio-Chloridi, 88 

— — Perchloridi, 86 

— Galla, 325 

— Gentiana Comp., 287 

— Guaiaci Ammoniata, 198 

— Hellebori, 164 

— Hyoscyami, 297 

— Iodi, 20 

— Jalapa, 291 

— Kino, 211 

— Krameria, 187 

— Lavandulae Comp., 303 

— Limonis, 193 

— Lobelias, 274 

— — JEtherea, 274 

— Lupuli, 331 
Myrrha, 206 

— Nucis Vomica, 283 

— Opii, 175 

— Quinia Comp., 257 

— Rhei, 307 

— Sabina, 337 

— Scilla, 347 

— Senega, 186 

— Senna, 217 

— Serpentaria, 315 

— Stramonii, 296 

— Tolutana, 213 

— Valeriana, 265 

— — Ammoniata, 265 

— Veratri Viridis, 353 

— Zingiberis, 339 
Tinctura, 9 
Tinctures, 9 
Tobacco, 297 
Tormentilla, 226 
Tragacantha, 208 
Treacle, 363 
Trochisci, 10 

— Acidi Tannici, 326 

— Bismuthi, 68 

— Catechu, 223 

— Glycirrhiza et Opii, U. S., 175 

— Morphia, 176 

— — et Ipecacuanha, 176, 

262 

— Opii, 175 
Turmeric, 339 

— Tincture, 339 
Turpentine, 331 



INDEX. 



439 



Ulaiin, 322 
Ulmus, 322 
Unguenta, 10 
Unguentum Aconitise, 161 

— Antiinonii Potassio-Tartra- 

tis, 57 

— — Tartarati, 57 

— Atropise, 294 

— Belladonnas, 294 

— Calomelanos, 97 

— Cantharidis, 382 

— Cetacei, 373 

— Cocculi, 169 

— Creosoti, 157 

— Elemi, 207 

— Galke, 325 

— — cum Opio, 175, 326 

— Hydrargyri, 93 

— — Ammoniati, 100 

— — Iodidi Rubri, 

101 

— ' — Mtratis, 103 

— — Oxidi Rubri,102 

— — Iodi Composi- 

tum, 20 

— Plumbi Carbonatis, 115 

— Iodidi, 112 

— — Subacetatis, 114 

— Potassii Iodidi, 128 

— Prsecipitati Albi, 100 

— Resinae, 333 

— Sabinse, 33 S 

— Simplex, 372 

— Sulphuris, 17 

— — Iodidi, 22 

— Terebinthinse, 332 

— Veratrise, 354 

— Zinci, 142 
Uva, 196 

Uva Ursi, 275 



Yaccinium Yitis Idsea, 242 
Yaleriana, 264 
Valerianate of Iron, 267 

— of Quina, 267 

— of Soda, 266 

— of Zinc, 266 
Valerianic Acid, 265 
Yalerole, 265 

Yenice Turpentine, 338 
Yeratria, 352, 353, 354 



Yeratrum Album, 352 

— Yiride, 3«j3 
Yerbascum Thapsus, 301 
Verdigris, 77 
Vina, 10 
Vinegar (British), 30 

— (French), 29 
Vinum Aloes, 351 

— Antimoniale, 57 

— Antimonii Potassio-Tartratis, 57 

— Colchici, 356 

— Perri, 90 

— Ipecacuanhse, 263 

— Opii, 175 

— Veratri, 352 

— Xericum, 148 
Viola, 185 
Violine, 185 
Vitriol, White, 144 

Volatile Carbonate of Ammonia, 46 



"Water, 24 
"Waters, 4, 25 

— Acidulous or Carbonated, 26 

— Chalybeate, 25 

— Saline, 26 

— Sulphuretted, 27 

— Ferruginous or Chalybeate, 25 

— Saline, 26 

— Salt, 26 

— Sulphuretted or Hepatic, 27 
Wax, 379 

Weights and Measures, 1 
White Vitriol, 144 
Whortleberry, 275 
Willow Bark, 321 
Wines, 10 
Winter Green, 274 
Woody Nightshade, 292 



Yeast, 148 



Zinc, 141 

Zinci Acetas, 145 

— Carbonas, 144 

— Chloridum, 143 

— Oxidum, 142 

— Sulphas, 144 

— Yalerianas, 266 
Zingiber, 338 



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